22 December,2018 10:43 PM IST | Manila | IANS
Representational Image
A Philippines lawmaker and his police escort were shot dead on Saturday while attending a gift-giving event for senior citizens and persons with disabilities in the country's Albay province.
The police said 52-year-old Rodel Batocabe, a member of the Philippines House of Representatives, and his security escort were gunned down in the afternoon at the covered court of Burgos in the south of Manila. They were taken to hospital but declared dead on arrival.
Philippines presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo condemned the assassination, describing it as a senseless killing, Xinhua news agency reported.
ALSO READ
Maharashtra: Man held for raping minor girl in Navi Mumbai
Cab driver for killing woman in Navi Mumbai after she forced him to marry her
Sahil Khan arrested by SIT of Mumbai Police, remanded to custody till May 1
Car overturns on Eastern Express Highway in Thane; couple escapes unhurt
IPL betting racket in Thane busted; three men held, search on for another
"Proper authorities are now investigating this brazen murder as we vow to leave no stone unturned in bringing the perpetrators of this felonious act to justice," Panelo said in a statement.
He said the Presidential Palace expressed its condolences to Batocabe's bereaved family, his loved ones and colleagues in Congress. No group claimed responsibility for the killing.
The Philippines mid-term elections are scheduled for May 2019. A Candidate would be contesting for over 18,000 national and local positions like senators, congressmen, governors and city mayors. Batocabe was reportedly running for the Mayor of Daraga.
The police were investigating whether the killing was related to the forthcoming polls.
Catch up on all the latest Crime, National, International and Hatke news here. Also, download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get the latest updates