Batangas election officer killed by riding-in-tandem gunmen

BATANGAS, Philippines – An election officer was gunned down by unidentified men in Bauan town Monday night, June 11.

Bauan police identified the victim as Noel Alvarez Miralles, 53, a Commission on Elections (Comelec) officer in Mabini town and a resident of Barangay Dumantay, Batangas City.

Authorities said the victim was waiting for a ride home in front of Citimart-Bauan in Barangay 4 Poblacion when he was shot several times by two unidentified suspects around 6:10 pm. 

The suspects fled on a black motorcycle toward San Pascual, Batangas.

The victim was brought to the Bauan General Hospital for treatment, but was pronounced dead on arrival by the attending physician, Dr Aries Bautista.  

Police have yet to determine the motive for the killing. The Philippine National Police (PNP) Oplan Iron Curtain was immediately activated to pursue the suspects. 

The Comelec in Batangas condemned the killing of Miralles and demanded justice for the slain official.

“We demand speedy justice for Noel. We call on the authorities for the speedy arrest of Noel’s killer/s,” said Comelec Batangas Election Supervisor Gloria Petallo.

Miralles is the latest victim of motorcyle-riding gunmen in the country. PNP records show that an average of 4 people are killed each day by riding-in-tandem shooters. – Rappler.com