In Eastern Samar
TACLOBAN CITY – Eastern Samar Governor Ben Evardone has called for the swift identification and arrest of the suspect responsible for the shooting death of a 44-year-old farmer in Barangay Paypayon, Oras, Eastern Samar, early Thursday morning, May 1.
The victim, Ricardo Gonda, was identified by Governor Evardone as a political supporter of his son, Ralph Vincent (RV), who is running for governor in the May 12, 2025 elections.
According to a report from the Oras municipal police, Gonda, a resident of Barangay Binalayan, was found dead around 3:54 am with a gunshot wound to the left side of his head.
Investigators recovered two empty 9mm shell casings near the crime scene, which is located within the town proper.
Despite the efforts of law enforcement, the suspect remains unidentified. Police are actively pursuing leads, urging potential witnesses to come forward, and reviewing nearby CCTV footage for any clues.
The motive behind the killing remains unclear, but the incident has prompted strong condemnation from Governor Evardone, who has called on the Philippine National Police (PNP) to expedite the investigation and ensure the perpetrator is brought to justice.
“We strongly condemn the killing of one of RV’s barangay leaders in Oras. The victim was still wearing the RV baller on his wrist. We are calling the PNP to conduct a thorough investigation and arrest the suspect immediately so that justice will be served,” Evardone stated in a social media post.
Despite the political nature of the victim’s connection, no area in Eastern Samar has been categorized as a concern by the Commission on Elections ahead of the upcoming election season.
“This is the first time such an incident has happened in Eastern Samar,” the outgoing governor added, stressing the need for a prompt resolution to the case.
(JOEY A. GABIETA, ROBERT DEJON)
