DAVAO CITY -- Compostela Valley Governor Jayvee Tyron Uy condemned the killing of Barangay Captain Danilo N. Daanton of Banlag, Monkayo who was shot dead on Saturday afternoon.
“We condemn this brutal act as the taking of human life whether as a form of aggression or vengeance can never be justified. This act is not just a personal offense to Barangay Captain Daanton but an affront to every Comvalenyo who strives to work for peace, unity and understanding in our communities,” Uy said in a statement.
Uy said Daanton served as a community relations officer of the provincial government before he became the barangay captain and president of the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) in the town.
“In his whole years in public service, I’ve known him as an honest and trustworthy colleague in the government,” he said.
Uy said justice should be served for the death of Daanton and to his family.
“We call on the authorities to bring into justice the perpetrators of his death. In the meantime, we ask everyone to exercise caution and vigilance,” he said.
Initial investigation bared that about 6 p.m. on April 21, Daanton was shot by unidentified suspects while he was riding his motorcycle and about to leave after having a conversation with his basketball colleagues at Purok 9, Golden Plains Subdivision in Barangay Poblacion.
Daanton was hit in different parts of his body and another victim identified as Nathaniel Ilagan was also hit by a stray bullet in his stomach. The gunmen immediately fled to unknown direction.
Daanton was brought to Compostela Valley Provincial Hospital but was declared dead upon arrival while Ilagan was brought to Monkayo Health Center.
Police investigators recovered from the crime scene five empty shells and three slugs suspected from caliber 45 pistol.
Investigators of Monkayo Municipal Police Station and Compostela Valley Police Provincial Office are conducting follow-up operation to determine the motive behind the incident.
Meanwhile, Kagawad Guadalupe Barnayja took her oath of office on Monday as the new barangay captain of Banlag replacing Daanton. (Armando Fenequito Jr/PNA)
