LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines — A former policeman was shot dead by three gunmen at a wedding reception in Cataingan, Masbate Monday, a report to the Bicol polic office said.
Senior Inspector Ma. Luisa Calubaquib, regional police spokesperson, said former Police Officer 1 Michael Sauro was eating when the gunmen, who sat at the same table, stood up and shot him in the head in Barangay Nadawisan around 11 a.m. Monday.
Sauro, who stood as sponsor at the wedding, was killed immediately from shots to the forehead and cheeks.
Calubaquib said even as guests scampered for safety the gunmen, who all wore black jackets, did not immediately leave the area.
“The gunmen located Sauro’s car and smashed its windows with the intent of getting the victim’s gun but failed to get any,” she said.
She added that Sauro, a resident of Barangay Nadawisan, had retired from the service last year after filing for total permanent disability when he lost one of his legs in an ambush by the New People’s Army.
Calubaquib said investigators are looking into business, politics and the possible role of communist rebels in the attack.