Negros Oriental councilor shot dead

NEGROS ORIENTAL, Philippines (UPDATED) – A councilor of Guihulngan City here was shot dead by unknown suspects Monday morning, April 2.

This came 9 months after a 3rd attempt on his life.

Killed was Councilor Paulo Edison dela Rita.

Initial police investigation showed the victim was riding on his motorcycle along the national highway of Barangay Poblacion when he was waylaid by two unidentified men.

The two motorcycle-riding suspects, wearing helmet and jacket, shot the victim several times. 

The councilor was rushed to a hospital, but didn’t make it. The suspects escaped. 

Police are still investigating the incident.

On July 21, 2017, Dela Rita was also attacked by suspected rebels in Guihulngan City. 

At the time, the responding police team was also ambushed by the rebels. Superintendent Arnel Arpon, city police chief at that time, and 5 other policemen were killed in action. Dela Rita’s driver was also killed.

The Negros Oriental police are still determining if the killing of Dela Rita was also perpetrated by the rebels.

Superintendent Bonifacio Tecson, city police chief, said they are also looking at politics or grudge as motive of the incident.

Senior Superintendent Edwin Portento, provincial police director, said the councilor was aware there was a threat to his life, as the victim had a 9mm pistol with him. 

“It’s chamber loaded,” he added. 

Superintendent Bonifacio Tecson, city police chief, said the councilor had survived the attempt on his life 3 times already. He was unlucky the 4th time, he added.

The police chief said the councilor was a good man, according to his constituents. 

Tecson said the councilor always had a bodyguard with him. “It was only this time that he was alone. He was on his way home to take a bath.” – Rappler.com