Nelson Ligaya Jr.

BACOLOD CITY: The barangay (village) chairman of Barangay 16 here who was having a drink with his friend was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in front of his house late Saturday night.
Gunned down in Purok Paloma of Barangay 16 was Nelson Ligaya Jr., 47.
Initial police investigation showed that Ligaya was drinking with a friend at a sari-sari (variety) store in front of his house at about 9:45 p.m. on Saturday when two suspects shot him.
The victim was brought to the Bacolod Adventist Medical Center where he was declared dead by attending physicians.
Ligaya sustained six gunshot wounds from a caliber .45 pistol, one of which hit his heart, doctors said.
Witnesses said the suspects wore black t-shirts, bonnets and helmets.
Aside from the suspects who shot Ligaya, two other men wearing helmets were seen aboard a parked motorcycle a few meters from the scene of the crime believed to be the back-up or blocking force of the gunmen.
Village councilor JR Madrigal told Aksyon Radyo Bacolod that they are saddened by the incident but are not aware of any motive for the killing of Ligaya.
“He was a caring, generous and helpful barangay captain to his constituents,” Madrigal said.
Inspector Ray Tianco of the Bacolod City Police Office said they are looking at politics and illegal drugs as possible motives for the killing.
A source told The Manila Times that Ligaya was active in his anti-drug campaign through the Barangay Anti- Drug Council.