DAVAO CITY — A lawmaker here has condemned the killing of a newly-elected barangay chairperson of Barangay Datu Abdul Dadia in Panabo City last Tuesday.

Davao del Norte Second District Representative Alan Dujali also offered a P500,000 cash reward to anyone who can provide information for the perpetrators in the killing of barangay chairperson identified as Engr. Paul Albert Saquian.

Reports disclosed that Saquian was attacked by unidentified assailants at about 3:15 p.m. on 7 November at Purok Mangga while onboard his vehicle.

Based on the investigation of the Panabo police, the victim was traversing the city road towards his residence when he was ambushed by two unidentified male persons onboard a motorcycle before escaping towards the city proper after the incident.

The victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds on the different parts of his body and was rushed to a nearby hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

"Whether this is politically motivated or not, this senseless killing is unacceptable and must be condemned in the strongest possible terms," Dujali said.

The lawmaker also urged authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and put the perpetrators behind the killing to bring justice to the family.

"This culture of violence must be stopped as it has no space in a peaceful society like ours in Panabo City. We must denounce any attack on human life and stand together in fighting those who do not want peace to reign in Davao del Norte," Dujali said.