A FORMER barangay captain was shot and killed by the incumbent barangay captain in barangay Bongalon, Labrador and his companions at about 9:30 p.m. last Monday.

The fatality was identified as Loreto Ugaban, 67, who was reportedly ambushed by incumbent barangay captain Mario Uson and unidentified companions while he was going home.

Senior Inspector Roberto Manuel, chief of police of Labrador, said the victim died on the spot.

Politics is being looked into as possible motive for the slaying as the victim was the campaign manager of his nephew, Dr. Joel Ugaban, who is facing the reelectionist Uson in a one-on-one election for barangay captain.

Uson beat the elder Ugaban in the past barangay election.
Based on the number of firearms used and empty shells found by investigators at the crime scene, Ugaban must have been shot by three or more persons.

Found at the crime scene were a carbine, one improvised revolver, an empty shell of 12-gauge shot gun and five shells of nine millimeter pistol.

Uson and his companions escaped after the shooting and are now the object of intensive police manhunt.

Witnesses identified Uson and his companion as the perpetrators. (PNA)