DASMARIÑAS CITYE—A barangay captain and two barangay councilors were killed after being shot by a former barangay tanod, who then shot himself shortly after escaping, during a flag ceremony in front of the barangay hall in Barangay Salitran 3 on Monday, May 26, 2025.
According to Police Lt. Colonel Regino Oñate, acting chief of the Dasmariñas City Police, the deceased victims were identified as Raul Atarde Ballos, 56, barangay chairman; Jose Lagones, 65, barangay councilor; and Marvin Canete, 54, also a barangay councilor—all from Barangay Salitran 3.
An SK secretary, identified as Christine Joseph Bonus, was also injured in the attack and is in critical condition under close observation at the hospital.
The suspect was identified as Ariel, 50, a former barangay tanod of Salitran 3.
Based on initial investigation, the flag ceremony was ongoing in front of the barangay hall when the suspect approached from behind and suddenly opened fire on the barangay captain and the councilors beside him.
The victims were rushed to various hospitals, where the three officials were declared dead on arrival. The suspect was also brought to St. Paul Medical Center but was likewise declared dead on arrival.
Following the incident, Police Regional Director Brig. Gen Paul Kenneth T. Lucas ordered a thorough and in-depth investigation and strongly condemned the attack.
“We strongly condemn this heinous shooting incident. We have immediately instructed our investigators to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the real motive behind this crime and to provide justice to the deceased and injured victims,” Lucas said.
This marked the second major killing in the province in as many days.
On Saturday, May 24, a 48-year-old father and known supporter of Naic, Cavite Mayor-elect Rommel Magbitang was shot dead in front of his home.
The victim, whose name is being withheld pending official confirmation, was reportedly one of the active leaders in Magbitang’s local campaign. According to his wife, the victim had previously received threats to his life, allegedly connected to the recent elections.
