An incumbent councilor of Umingan, Pangasinan, was fatally shot in an ambush in Barangay Lubong, shocking the local community.
The victim, identified as Ponciano “Onyok” Onia, 59, was also the National President of the Abono Party-List.
Witnesses Edgardo and Mario Reyno, both barangay security officers, said Onia was in his SUV heading to Barangay Leon with two employees.
The suspect, described as slim, masked, and wearing a black jacket, ambushed Onia while stationed by the roadside on a motorcycle.
Before Onia’s vehicle reached the highway, the suspect blocked it and opened fire, killing the councilor but sparing his companions.
After the shooting, witnesses saw the suspect speed away despite attempts to draw attention to his escape.
Investigators revealed the CCTV in the area was non-functional due to storm damage, hindering efforts to identify the assailant.
Police from the Umingan Municipal Police Station are conducting an investigation to determine the motive and apprehend the suspect.