LA PAZ, Abra – A 61-year old secretary of incumbent Mayor Joseph Bernos died after he was shot to death by still unidentified assailants while he was on his way home along the La Paz-Lagayan road, particularly at barangay Canan here around 11 pm Friday
Senior Superintendent Antonio Bartolome, provincial director of the Abra Provincial Police Office, identified the victim as Noel Belena, 61, married, the secretary of Mayor JB Bernos and a resident of Poblacion, La Paz, Abra.
Initial police investigation showed the victim was driving his motorcycle on his way home after coming from a derby when he was peppered with bullets by still unidentified assailants upon reaching the place of incident.
Responding police operatives and concerned citizens immediately rushed the victim to the Abra Provincial Hospital for medical treatment but he expired while undergoing medical attention.
The victim reportedly sustained two fatal gunshot wounds on his back from a caliber .45 pistol which was used by the suspects in the perpetration of the said crime.
Bartolome said the motive of the shooting is not yet unknown pending the outcome of the investigation of the cause.
The shooting incident occurred several hours before the signing of the peace covenant among political leaders, supporters, peace advocates, police and military and members of the council of elders to ensure the conduct of a peaceful and orderly elections for the May 2016 synchronized and automated national and local elections.
By Dexter A. See