Authorities are currently engaged in a manhunt to capture the suspect involved in the murder of a village chief in Barangay Bagabao, Leyte.
The incident occurred on Thursday, October 24, when Mary Ann Orillano, the village chairwoman of Barangay Mataloto, was traveling with a male companion, known only as Mar.
While they were riding a motorcycle and making their way from Bagabao to Mataloto around 4 p.m., a gunman opened fire on them.
After the attack, the shooter fled into the mountainous area of Bagabao, heading towards Barangay Libertad in the neighboring town of Kananga, according to the police report.
When officers responded to the scene, they discovered Orillano suffering from critical injuries to her head.
Meanwhile, Mar sustained multiple gunshot wounds to different parts of his body and was quickly transported to the hospital by a local resident who used a private vehicle for the emergency.
In response to the shooting, authorities from nearby police stations have been placed on high alert, and checkpoints have been established to monitor potential escape routes of the suspect.
As of now, the reason behind the attack remains unclear, leaving investigators to grapple with the circumstances leading to this tragic event.
The town of Leyte, where the shooting occurred, is situated within the third district of Leyte and has been flagged as a potential hotspot for violence, particularly in relation to the upcoming elections.
This designation is based on a history of election-related shootings that have taken place in the area during previous electoral cycles.
Local officials and law enforcement agencies are likely aware of the heightened tension and risks that come with the approaching election season, which may contribute to further investigation into the motive behind Orillano's killing.
The ongoing search for the suspect underscores the urgent need for safety and security in Leyte, as community leaders work to ensure a peaceful environment leading up to the elections.
As investigations continue, residents of Barangay Bagabao and surrounding areas remain on edge, hoping for swift justice for the late village chairwoman and her companion.
This incident highlights not only the personal loss for the community but also the broader implications of violence in the region’s political landscape as the election date draws near.
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