The Batangas City Police have formed a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) after a barangay councilman was shot dead by two unidentified gunmen on a motorcycle in Barangay Cuta, Batangas City.

The councilman was identified as Dennis Atienza.

Based on police investigation, the victim had just parked his vehicle and was heading home when he was shot. 

He came from the market reportedly and may have been followed.

“Pagbabang-pagbaba po niya ng sasakyan ay nakatalikod pa po siya noong siya ay binaril. Marami pong tama ang biktima sa iba't ibang parte ng katawan,” PLT. Sharen Ama, Chief of Batangas City Police Station, said.

Alexis Atienza, the victim's daughter, also heard the gunshot. 

“Sabi ko’y, ‘Ano po 'yun kuya?’ [Tapos sabi niya], ‘May nagpapatuok ng baril.’ Pagkalabas ko sa papasok na are, kita ko po 'yung sasakyan ni tatay, kita ko po ay hawak na si tatay ng dalawang tanod,” Alexis said.

The victim’s family rushed Dennis to the hospital, but he died later.

Police described the suspects based on closed circuit television (CCTV) footage.

“[‘Yung isang suspect naka-]black helmet po siya, na may facemask, wearing shorts, and naka-longsleeves din po siya na kulay blue. 'Yung rider po natin, siya po ay walang helmet, [at] siya po ay naka-hoodie jacket po na light maroon,”PLT. Sharen Ama, PCR/PIO Chief of Batangas City Police Station.

The investigation continues, as of this writing.

The family seeks justice, and urges the public to coordinate with them if they have any information.

“Makipag-coordinate po kayo sa amin kung kahit ano pong itsura o pagkakakilanlan ng taing gumawa nare kay tatay. Ako po ay humihingi ng tulong. Bilang anak po,” Alexis said.