Google Map image of Matalam, North Cotabato
Kidapawan City – A leader of a progressive farmers’ organization known for his stance against the military’s presence in his village was killed by two unidentified gun men in Matalam, North Cotabato, Monday night.
Police authorities said the victim as Medardo Espina Barro, a.k.a. Dodong, a resident of Sitio Natipakan, Barangay Latagan in Matalam, was drinking with his friends and relatives outside his house when two men shot him repeatedly killing him on the spot.
After the shooting, the gunmen boarded a black Toyota Hilux parked a few meters away from Barro’s residence. The vehicle sped towards the town of Antipas, North Cotabato, witnesses said.
Three slugs from an M4 Armalite were recovered from the crime scene. Police have yet to determine the motive for the killing.
Barro’s family members said he was active in organizing farmers in his village for the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas – Southern Mindanao region. (Rommel F. Lopez)
