Pangasinan town official shot dead

MANILA, Philippines — Motorcycle-riding men shot dead a town official of Calasiao town in Pangasinan province late Tuesday afternoon, a radio report said early Wednesday. Radio dzRH reported that victim Dominador Ballesteros, an engineer, was shot near a tricycle terminal while he was about to visit the wake of a town employee. The incident occurred at 5:05 p.m. in Poblacion in Calasiao Tuesday, as Ballesteros headed out of his office to go to the wake. Police are now looking into the possibility the killing was related to Ballesteros’ work as economic enterprise officer, and chairman of the town’s bids and awards committee. Calasiao police director Superintendent Rodelio Samson said witnesses they initially interviewed failed to get a good look at the gunmen. He said they have set up checkpoints in a bid to intercept the killers. Recovered from the crime scene were three shells of a .45-caliber pistol. “Sa ngayon tinitingnan natin kung work-related (We are looking into the theory it is work-related)," he said, noting the victim handles business permits in the town, including permits for vendors at the local market. Samson also said they are looking into politics as a possible motive, as the victim is said to be supporting some candidates for next year’s elections. - GMANews.TV