A nominee of the Ang Bumbero ng Pilipinas Party-list was shot dead by unknown assailants in Sampaloc, Manila, on Monday afternoon.

The victim was identified as former barangay chairman Leninsky Bacud. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but was later declared dead.

The attack occurred sometime before 6:00 p.m. along P. Guevarra Street, in Barangay 435, Zone 44, Sampaloc.

Initial investigations revealed that Bacud was standing with a group of individuals when two men on a motorcycle approached.

The backrider dismounted and repeatedly shot Bacud at close range.

Witnesses said Bacud was pleading for his life, but the gunman continued firing without hesitation. A police officer who lives in the area reportedly encountered the suspects during their escape, and stray bullets struck several vehicles parked nearby.

Authorities have now formed a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) to focus on identifying the suspects and establishing the motive behind the killing.