By CESAR JOLITO III

A barangay councilor was shot dead in broad daylight at Barangay Santa Rosa in Negros Occidental’s Murcia town yesterday morning, in what police described as a sudden and brazen attack, raising concerns over the safety of local officials.

Murcia police chief, Police Captain Honey Labaro, said the 59-year-old victim had just stepped out of a car after the official had returned from a barangay clean-up drive in Purok Puncian at 10:25 a.m. when an unidentified man suddenly appeared and shot him in the head.

The assailant fled immediately after the attack.

The barangay councilor was rushed to a hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

An autopsy has been ordered to determine the full extent of his injuries.

Labaro said investigators are still working to establish the motive behind the killing, noting that the victim had not reported receiving any threats prior to the incident.

Authorities also admitted that progress has been hampered as potential witnesses remain reluctant to cooperate due to fear.

Police have launched a follow-up investigation and are reviewing possible angles, including the victim’s public service role, as they work to identify and arrest the perpetrator./CJ, WDJ