Human rights lawyer shot dead in Nueva Vizcaya

TUGUEGARAO CITY — A human rights lawyer who acted as a local campaign manager for the Liberal Party in the recent elections was shot dead by two unidentified gunmen in Nueva Vizcaya province Tuesday morning, police said. Police identified the victim as Ernesto Salunat, who was shot at 8:15 a.m. in front of the municipal trial court in Solano town. Salunat sustained a gunshot wound in the neck. Initial investigation showed that Salunat, who was coming from a courtroom, was shot from his back when he was about to board his car. Senior Superintendent Pedro Danguilan, provincial police director, said Salunat died about 10 a.m. while being treated at the Medical Mission Group hospital in Solano. Danguilan said authorities are still clueless on the identities of the suspects. "We are exhausting all leads to solve this killing. So far, we are taking data on who would have been his client or clients at the said court prior to the killing. They may give leads and help shed light in the killing." he said. — RSJ/LBG, GMANews.TV