Palawan disaster risk reduction chief dead after Good Friday shooting

The head of Palawan disaster risk reduction management office has died after he was shot by an unknown armed group in his house, a radio report said Sunday.

According to a dzBB report from Junfred Calamba of RGMA Palawan, PDRRMO chief Gilbert Baaco was gunned down after having dinner with his family on Good Friday at their house in Barangay Barong Barong, Brooke's Point.

The report quoted Baaco's wife, Maria Victoria, as saying that members of the group, two of whom were women, were dressed in camouflage, and carried high-caliber guns. 

The victim's wife was also quoted as saying that the armed group said they were only after Baaco's guns and would not hurt the rest of the family.

The group took two long firearms that belonged to Baaco, then escaped at the back of the house, the report said.

Baaco, 44, sustained four gunshot wounds. He was brought to Leoncio General Hospital, but was pronounced dead on arrival.

The Palawan disaster risk reduction management head—considered the right-hand man of Gov. Jose Alvarez—served the provincial government in several capacities, including heading its Rescue 165 program.

The report said Gov. Alvarez doubts the killing was done by the New People's Army (NPA). 

Investigation and the search for the armed group are still ongoing. —Rose-An Jessica Dioquino/KG, GMA News