Village Chief Shot Dead in Broad Daylight in Samar
TACLOBAN CITY — A village chief in Calbayog City, Samar was brutally shot dead while his wife sustained injuries after unidentified gunmen attacked them in broad daylight on Wednesday, July 23. The incident has shocked the local community and raised concerns about safety in the area.
The victims were riding a tricycle, locally called a “timbol,” when the shooting occurred around 1 p.m. near the border of Guinbaoyan Norte and Guinbaoyan Sur villages. Authorities reported that two unknown assailants on a motorcycle opened fire on the couple without warning.
Attack Details and Immediate Response
Police identified the slain village chief as Anastacio Catalan, 59, who led Barangay Tapa-e. His wife, Remegia, 53, was also hurt during the attack. Lt. Col. Dinvir Revita, the Calbayog City police chief, said police were alerted by a concerned citizen shortly after the shooting at around 1:15 p.m.
When officers arrived at the scene, they found Catalan collapsed on his motorcycle, already dead. His wife was rushed to Calbayog District Hospital for treatment of a gunshot wound to her left thigh.
Ongoing Investigation and Evidence
Initial inquiries revealed that the assailants approached from behind on a motorcycle and fired at close range. Catalan was hit in the head, and the suspects fled the area immediately after the attack. Investigators recovered a fired cartridge case from a .45 caliber pistol at the crime scene.
Authorities are now conducting a thorough investigation to uncover the motive behind this brazen shooting and to identify those responsible. Local leaders expressed their condolences while urging the public to assist police with any information.
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