Town councilor killed, 2 others hurt in Masbate shooting

On the other hand, Roco Borris, a “habal-habal” (motorcycle for hire) driver in Barangay Aurora, Uson, was wounded in the incident. (Shutterstock)

LEGAZPI CITY — At least two people, including a town councilor, were killed while two others were wounded in separate shooting incidents on Saturday in the towns of Placer and Uson in Masbate.

Antonio de Ocampo, town councilor of Placer, was shot dead by a still unidentified gunman in Barangay Katipunan, Placer town at around 9:30 a.m. , said Chief Insp. Maria Luisa Calubaquib, spokesperson of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Bicol.

Michael Angelo de Ocampo, cousin of the councilor, also sustained a gunshot wound and rushed to the Cataningan District Hospital for medical treatment.

The incident was followed by another shooting incident at around 1 p.m. in Purok 1, Sitio Cornejo, Barangay Libertad Uson, Masbate. Dead in the incident was Oscar Fernandez, 28, resident of Barangay Basicao Coastal, Pio Duran Albay and temporarily residing in Barangay Buenasuerte, Uson town.

On the other hand, Roco Borris, a “habal-habal” (motorcycle for hire) driver in Barangay Aurora, Uson, was wounded in the incident.

Calubaquib said the suspects, who were identified as Renald Alvarado alias “Pusiw” and Recto Araneta alias “Canyot,” are now the subject of police manhunt.

Initial investigation said the victims were on their way home after attending a benefit dance when the suspects waylaid them.

One of the suspects, who was armed with a .45-caliber pistol fired at the victims.