Calabarzon shootings leave 4 dead

Four persons were killed and three more were injured in separate shooting incidents in Calabarzon just one day into the gun ban being enforced ahead of the 2022 national and local elections.

In Antipolo City, Rizal, a man was killed and two were injured after being shot by three gunmen inside a house, around 9:30 p.m. Sunday, according to a report from the regional police.

Ferdinand Nono, owner of the house in Purok Silangan, Barangay Dela Paz, died on the spot while Glen and Gerardo, both surnamed Nono, were brought to different hospitals for treatment.

Hours earlier, around 5 p.m., one Sandy Boy Espadero died after being shot to the head while repairing the wheel of his tricycle, just outside his home in Sitio Tabak 1, Barangay San Rafael of Rodriguez town.

In Cavite, one Gilbert Villantes died after being shot by two men while walking along an alley in Pulong Mabilog, Barangay Molino IV, of Bacoor City around 10:56 p.m.

Earlier in the day, one Romero Eugenio was walking near his home in Barangay Aya, Talisay Batangas, when he was shot by unidentified suspects. He has since been taken to the hospital for treatment.

The latest reported incident occurred in front of a church in Biñan City, Laguna, around 3:40 a.m. Monday, where a certain Gilbert Llagas was loading vegetables onto a motorcycle in front of the San Isidro Labrador Parish Church in Barangay Poblacion when he was approached from behind and shot to the head by a still unidentified assailant.

Police and members of other government agencies started enforcing the gun ban when the election period began at 12 a.m. Sunday, simultaneously launching checkpoints across the country.

The ban, which exempts only lawmen in uniform and performing official duties as well as some who successfully applied for exclusion, will be in effect until 8 June.