Impunity in the Philippines

LIST: Local officials killed under Marcos gov’t

Jodesz Gavilan

This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

LIST: Local officials killed under Marcos gov’t
(1st UPDATE) Besides incumbent officials, several former local officials have also been killed since July 2022

MANILA, Philippines – Violence continues in the Philippines even under the new administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Several local officials – both incumbent and former – were also killed since Marcos took office in June 2022, continuing the bloody trend under former president Rodrigo Duterte which saw at least 10 mayors and 18 vice mayors killed.

As of April 20, Rappler has tallied 28 elected officials killed under the Marcos administration:  one governor, one vice mayor, one municipal councilor, 16 barangay chairpersons, and nine barangay councilors (kagawad)

Five former officials have been killed, too: four former mayors, one former vice mayor, and one former barangay chairperson.

There were also at least two attempts on the lives of other incumbent officials, including Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr. and Mayor Ohto Montawal of Datu Montawal, Maguindanao, both in February.

In a statement, the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) condemned recent killings, stating that “these brutalities and senseless attacks mark a worrying escalation of violence that no cause can ever justify.”

“The deplorable and cowardly acts targeting local officials is an affront to our democracy and rule of law and must stop immediately,” ULAP said. “We call for all perpetrators to be held accountable the soonest possible time.”

Below is a list of incumbent local officials slain since the start of the administration or June 30, 2022, as well as details of their deaths, based on news reports. For the purpose of this list, local officials cover elected officials at the city, municipal, and provincial levels.

This list will be updated as warranted. 

Rappler created this list in March 2023 to only include officials from the provincial to the municipal and city levels. We are now including slain barangay officials. 

1. Barangay Chairperson Marvin Avendano of San Jose, San Miguel, Bulacan – June 30, 2022

Barangay San Jose Chairperson Marvin Avendano was gunned down on the evening of June 30, 2022, in San Miguel, Bulacan. Suspects blocked his car while he was on his way home from a birthday party, according to a Manila Bulletin report.

2. Barangay Chairperson Berting Inding of Balagonan, Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte – June 30, 2022

Barangay Balagonan Chairperson Berting Inding was killed in a drive-by shooting on the evening of June 30, 202,  in Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte. He was gunned down while riding his motorcycle with his wife, according to a report by the Philippine Star.

3. Barangay Chairperson Roberto de Ocampo of Anurturo, Rizal, Cagayan  – August 10, 2022

Barangay Anurturo Chairperson Roberto de Ocampo was ambushed with his wife by motorcycle-riding gunmen on August 10, 2022, in Rizal, Cagayan. A report by GMA News Online stated that two suspects carried out the attack while the couple was riding their pick-up truck along the provincial road.

4. Barangay Chairperson Danilo Dautil of Cabcab, Isabela, Negros Occidental – August 24, 2022

Barangay Cabcab Chairperson Danilo Dautil was killed while on his way home on August 24, 2022, in Isabela, Negros Occidental, according to a report by the Philippine News Agency.

5. Barangay Chairperson Benjamin Javoc of Lalong, Calatrava, Negros Occidental – August 26, 2022

Barangay Lalong Chairperson Benjamin Javoc was killed early morning of August 26, 2022, in Calatrava, Negros Occidental. The attack was carried out by at least 10 men. Javoc’s house was ransacked afterwards, according to a report by the Philippine News Agency.

6. Barangay Councilor Ramil Advincula of Ajos, Catanauan, Quezon – September 2, 2022

Barangay Ajos Councilor Ramil Advincula was gunned down on September 2, 2022, while inside his family store in Catanauan, Quezon. The suspect, who fled the scene on board a motorcycle, posed as a buyer, according to a report by the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

7. Barangay Chairperson Norson Utto of Panadtaban, Rajah Buayan, Maguindanao – October 9, 2022

Norson Utto was killed on the afternoon of October 9, 2022, by two motorcycle-riding gunmen in Sultan sa Barongis, Maguindanao. A Manila Bulletin report stated that Utto, the chairperson of Barangay Panadtaban, was washing his motorcycle when the suspects attacked him.

8. Barangay Councilor Willy Costa of Buna Lejos 2, Indang, Cavite – October 18, 2022

Barangay Buna Lejos 2 Councilor Willy Costa was killed on the morning of October 18, 2022, in Indang, Cavite. According to a Philippine Daily Inquirer report, Costa was shot dead by the suspect after a heated argument.

9. Barangay Councilor Jimbo Villanueva of Paradahan 2, Indang, Cavite – November 7, 2022

Barangay Paradahan 2 Councilor Jimbo Villanueva was killed on November 7, 2022, in Tanza, Cavite. According to a report by the Philippine Daily Inquirer, the victim was gunned down while managing the flow of a funeral procession.

10. Barangay Chairperson Enrico Renwick Razon of District 3, Lemery, Batangas – November 22, 2022

Barangay District 3 Chairperson Enrico Renwick Razon was ambushed by motorcycle-riding gunmen on November 22, 2022, in Lemery, Batangas. He was onboard a vehicle with three others when they were attacked, according to a report by the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

11. Barangay Councilor Angel Tamayo of Sineguelasan, Bacoor, Cavite – November 25, 2022

Barangay Sineguelasan Councilor Angel Tamayo was killed on November 25, 2022, in front of the barangay hall in Bacoor, Cavite. According to a report by GMA News Online, the victim was talking to the barangay secretary when motorcycle-riding men passed by and shot at Tamayo.

12. Unnamed barangay councilor of Barangay 54, San Roque district, Cavite City – December 11, 2022

Barangay 54 Councilor Felimon Ambrocio Jr. was killed on the morning of December 11, 2022, in Cavite City. According to a report by Pilipino Star Ngayon, Ambrocio was gunned down while he was riding his motorcycle with his wife.

13. Barangay Chairperson Jesus Liang of Sto. Rosario, San Fernando, Pampanga – December 27, 2022

Barangay Sto. Rosario Chairperson Jesus Liang was killed on December 27, 2022, in San Fernando, Pampanga. He was gunned down by one suspect while walking at the public market, according to a report by the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

14. Barangay Councilor Kingdom Mangansakan of Macasendig, Pikit, Cotabato – January 20, 2023

Kingdom Mangansakan, a councilor of Barangay Macasendig in Pikit, was killed in front of a convention center in Cotabato City on January 20, 2023. A report by the Philippine Daily Inquirer quoted a Cotabato City police officer, who said that Mangansakan was killed while preparing for his wedding.

15. Barangay Chairperson Reginald Espiritu of San Isidro, Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija – January 24, 2023

Barangay San Isidro Chairperson Reginald Espiritu was gunned down by a motorcycle-riding suspect in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, on January 24, 2023. According to a Philippine Star report, the victim was in front of his store when he was attacked.

16. Barangay Chairperson Ali Manangca of Balubuan, Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte – January 26, 2023

Barangay Balubuan Chairperson Ali Manangca was killed in an ambush on January 26, 2023, in Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte. Three others, including his wife, were killed during the incident. 

17. Barangay Councilor Ian Negrido of Barangay 18, Victorias, Negros Occidental – February 5, 2023

Barangay 18 Councilor Ian Negrido of Victorias City, Negros Occidental, was gunned down while riding his motorcycle on February 5, 2023, according to a report by Digicast Negros. The incident happened in EB Magalona in the same province.

18. Barangay Councilor Mark Rodriguez of Tolosa, Zamboanga City – February 11, 2023

Barangay Tolosa Councilor Mark Rodriguez was killed in an attack on February 11, 2023, in Zamboanga City. According to a report by the Manila Bulletin, Rodriguez was having dinner with his wife and a driver when two motorcycle-riding gunmen shot at the victims.

19. Municipal Councilor Angelique Paulino of Sto. Domingo, Nueva Ecija – February 12, 2023

Sto Domingo Municipal Councilor Angelique Paulino was found dead on February 12, 2023, inside her car in Guimba, Nueva Ecija. The victim had multiple gunshot wounds, according to a report by the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

20. Municipal Vice Mayor Rommel Alameda of Aparri, Cagayan – February 19, 2023

Aparri, Cagayan, Vice Mayor Rommel Alameda was killed after being ambushed in Bagabag, Nueva Vizcaya, on February 19, 2023.

Alameda, who had been vice mayor since 2019, was among six people killed during the incident. Police said there were “more or less six” gunmen who fired at the official’s vehicle while it was parked outside a school.

21. Barangay Chairperson Vivienco Palo of San Carlos, Lipa City, Batangas – February 26, 2023

Barangay San Carlos Chairperson Vivencio Palo was gunned down on February 26, 2023, in Lipa, Batangas. According to a report by ABS-CBN News, Palo was moving things to his merchandise store early in the morning when he was repeatedly shot at by a suspect riding a car.

22. Governor Roel Degamo of Negros Oriental – March 4, 2023

Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo was killed on March 4, 2023, after being shot outside his residence in Pamplona town. Police said he was outside his home attending an event for 4Ps beneficiaries when at least six gunmen in “full battle gear” and “pixelized uniform” started shooting, while “more or less 10 suspects” were seen fleeing the crime scene afterwards.

Degamo’s wife, Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo, said that five others were also killed during the incident while several others were injured.

In February, Degamo cemented his hold on the gubernatorial post after the Supreme Court dismissed petitions filed by former governor Henry Teves.

23. Barangay Chairperson Florenda Quinikito of Fatima, Sta. Calina, Negros Oriental – March 4, 2023

Barangay Fatima Chairperson Florenda Quinikito died while trying to protect Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo during an attack on March 4, 2023. She was found on top of the body of the slain governor, according to Degamo’s son.

24. Barangay Chairperson Hadji Basit Gangkala of Labu-Labu 2, Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao – March 14, 2023

Barangay Labu-Labu 2 Chairperson Hadji Basit Gangkala of Datu Hoffer town was killed by an unidentified gunman on March 14, 2023, in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur. The victim was attacked while inside a parked car, waiting for his wife to finish buying fruits, according to the Maguindanao Police Provincial Office.

25. Barangay Chairperson Mario Tundag of Manguiao, Asturias, Cebu – March 14, 2023

Barangay Manguiao Chairperson Mario Tundag and his wife were killed by motorcycle-riding assailants on the morning of March 14, 2023, in Asturias, Cebu. The local police station said that the couple had been followed for some time before the attack.

26. Barangay Chairperson Danny Angkay of Salaman, Lebak, Sultan Kudarat – April 8, 2023

Barangay Salaman Chairperson Danny Angkay was shot dead on April 8, 2023, in Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur. According to the police, the victim was traveling home to Lebak with two other people when they were attacked by motorcycle-riding men.

27. Barangay Chairperson Tonesa Sarudin of Mindupok, Maitum, Sarangani – April 9, 2023

Barangay Mindupok Chairperson Tonesa Sarudin was killed by motorcycle-riding gunmen in Maitum, Sarangani, on April 9, 2023. According to Maitum police chief Major Bernard Francia, the victim was walking near the barangay hall when she was gunned down.

28. Barangay Councilor Abdul Malik Uban of Polloc, Parang, Maguindanao – April 9, 2023

Barangay Polloc Councilor Abdul Malik Uban was shot dead by unidentified suspects in Parang, Maguindanao del Norte, on April 9, 2023. According to reports, he was with his wife when gunmen attacked the car they were riding. 

Former officials, too

At least six former local officials have also been killed since July 2022.

1. Former municipal mayor Danilo Amat of Dolores, Quezon – July 22, 2022

Danilo Amat, former mayor of Dolores in Quezon, was gunned down in San Pablo City, Laguna on July 22, 2022, according to an ABS-CBN report.

2. Former mayor Rose Furigay of Lamitan, Basilan – July 24, 2022

Former Lamitan City, Basilan mayor Rose Furigay was killed in a shooting inside Ateneo de Manila University on July 24, 2022.

Aside from Furigay, two others were also killed – her executive assistant Victor George Capistrano and Ateneo security guard Jeneven Bandiala. Her daughter, Hannah, was wounded.

The suspect – physician Chao Tiao Yumol – was a known enemy and critic of Furigay and her husband, incumbent Lamitan Mayor Roderick Furigay.

3. Former mayor Romeo Sulit of Lobot, Batangas – August 11, 2022

Romeo Sulit, former mayor of Lobo, Batangas was shot by an unidentified gunman during a birthday party on August 11, 2022. According to authorities, he was delivering a speech when a man wearing a green jacket and a hat approached him and shot him in the head.

Sulit, who served as vice mayor from 1998 to 2010, died in the hospital hours after the incident.

4. Former vice mayorNarciso Amansec of Dipaculao, Aurora– October 3, 2022

Narciso Amansec, former vice mayor of Dipaculao in Aurora, was gunned down along with two others on October 3, 2022. According to a report by the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Amansec and the other victims were traveling when they were ambushed by still unidentified gunmen.

Amansec was also a former provincial board member.

5. Former mayor Miguel Abaigar Jr. of Calbiga, Samar – October 7, 2022

Miguel Abaigar Jr., former mayor of Calbiga in Samar, was gunned down on October 7, 2022. An ABS-CBN report cited police information that he was riding his bicycle early morning along Maharlika Highway in Barangay Timbangan when a motorcycle-riding suspect fired at him.

6. Former barangay chairperson Antonio Canonigo of Barangay General Climaco, Toledo, Cebu – October 9, 2022

Antonio Canonigo, the former chairperson of Barangay General Climaco, was killed in an ambush in Toledo City, Cebu on October 9, 2022. A SunStar report stated that the victim was able to fire back, resulting to a shootout.

– Rappler.com

1 comment

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  1. JM

    I’m from the US, maybe that adds to my confusion, but these stories never seen to address the bigger questions. What are the underlying motivations of the killers? Politics? Money? Drugs? This doesn’t happen in many other countries.

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Jodesz Gavilan

Jodesz Gavilan is a writer and researcher for Rappler and its investigative arm, Newsbreak. She covers human rights and impunity beats, producing in-depth and investigative reports particularly on the quest for justice of victims of former president Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs and war on dissent.