Two men were killed in separate shooting incidents in Brgy. Pinapugasan, Escalante City, Negros Occidental, Saturday evening, February 28.
The police identified the fatalities as Eduardo Catipay, 61, barangay chief tanod, and Jerry Lapus, 43, a construction worker, of Brgy. Pinapugasan.
The first shooting happened in front of the barangay hall where Catipay and other barangay tanods were standing.
Investigation revealed around seven armed men arrived at the area and ordered the victims and their companions to sit down.
The suspects then allegedly shot Catipay several times, killing him on the spot.
After the first shooting, the armed group reportedly proceeded to the house of Lapus.
Police said Lapus was sleeping when the suspects woke him up and ordered him to go outside the house.
Lapus was then shot several times by the suspects, resulting in his death.
Police said some of the suspects were not wearing face coverings, but their identities have not yet been established.
Authorities said an investigation is ongoing to determine the motive behind the killings.
The New People’s Army later released information claiming responsibility for the shootings.
Police said the claim has not yet been independently verified and the case remains under investigation.*
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