Negros Oriental solon’s driver gunned down

STA. CATALINA, Negros oriental — Negros oriental Third District Representative Arnie Teves Jr. is calling on the Philippine National Police to conduct a swift probe on the death of one of his drivers who was slain by still unidentified gunmen on Monday afternoon.

The lawmaker’s driver — identified as Juvanie Catubay Y Palagtiw of Sitio Break Water, Poblacion here — died after suffering multiple gunshot wounds including the fatal headshot.

Local police reports said that the victim was driving his scooter in Barangay Caigangan when a riding in tandem aboard a red motorcycle opened fire at the victim and fled the scene of the crime.

The gunmen — both wearing full masks and helmets, according to witnesses — took the victim’s motorcycle with them.

Recovered at the crime scene are empty shells of caliber 5.56 and caliber .45. weapons.

Teves strongly condemned the killing and called on authorities for a swift resolution regarding the incident.

“A high-powered rifle killed my staff instantly. How come a civilian can carry such a weapon?” Teves said.

The lawmaker is also offering P1 million as reward to those who can give more information regarding the incident, saying that they will pool the reward money from friends and fellow lawmakers.