MANILA, Philippines — Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, chief of the Philippine National Police, ordered on Saturday a thorough investigation of the recent killings of two barangay chiefs from different parts of the country in two separate incidents. According to police reports, Carlito Pacayra, the 37-year-old chair of Barangay Canlobo in Pinabacdao, Samar, was gunned down while he was resting in a hammock on Thursday. ADVERTISEMENTOn Nov. 5, Zoilo de Belen, the 56-year-old first-term village head was shot dead at the boundary arc of Barangay Lambakin in Jaen, Nueva Ecija. To prevent these crimes, Eleazar also ordered police chiefs and unit commanders to assess if there would be a need to adjust their security measures to ensure the security and protection of the communities. “I am directing all local police units to come up with a security risk assessment on barangay officials in their respective areas of responsibility and make the appropriate adjustments if necessary for their protection,” he said.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer November 07, 2021 05:12 UTC