By CESAR JOLITO III

A barangay tanod in Negros Occidental’s Binalbagan town was shot dead while conducting a routine patrol in Sitio Mag-anay 1 early yesterday morning.

The victim was identified as Marlo Galan, a resident of Barangay Bi-ao.

Bi-ao chief Junefel Aguillon said the victim was assigned to regular community patrol duties.

Initial police information said Galan was walking during his patrol when he was suddenly approached by an armed suspect who repeatedly shot him.

The victim sustained gunshot wounds to the back, head and legs, which caused his immediate death at the scene.

Witnesses alleged that the suspect was a “stranger” in the area.

The gunman was reportedly wearing a hood and jacket and was accompanied by another individual who waited at a distance before both fled the scene after the attack.

Aguillon added that there were no recorded personal conflicts or complaints filed against the victim in the barangay prior to the incident.

Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the motive behind the killing and to identify and apprehend the suspects involved./CCJ, WDJ