BACNOTAN, La Union- The president of the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) in this town, was shot dead by unidentified motorcycle-riding gunmen while inside the hall of Barangay Zaragoza at around 7:20 p.m. Wednesday.
Senior Inspector Fredilex Marron, the town’s police chief, identified the victim as Edwin Cua, 55, incumbent chairman of Barangay Zaragosa.
Marron said Cua was drinking beer and watching TV with two others when the gunman sneaked inside the barangay hall and shot him at close range hitting his back and body.
Cua suffered six gunshot wounds on the different parts of his body and was rushed to the Lorma Hospital in San Fernando City but was declared dead.
The gunman immediately fled with a waiting motorcycle driven by another unidentified man.
Police recovered seven empty shells of caliber 45 at the crime scene while the motive of the incident is allegedly related to politics.
Cua was the second highest official of Bacnotan who was shot dead. In March last year, councilor Onofre Almojuela was also ambushed while on his way home in Barangay Mabanengbeng.
“Politics in Bacnotan has begun,” a resident said.
It was reported that incumbent Mayor Francis Fontanilla will be challenged by his brother, Lito Fontanilla in the upcoming May 2016 local polls.
The Fontanilla family dominates the politics in Bacnotan for decades, where their late father, Rufino Sr, established their dominance as mayor for many years until his death three years ago.
The present mayor took over the cudgels last year after his 78-year old mother, Ma. Minda Fontanilla quits for health reasons.
By Dexter A. See