DepEd district official, husband gunned down
CALASIAO–A district supervisor of the Department of Education (DepEd) and her husband were killed last October 14 by armed men riding in tandem, while an associate was injured by a shot on the leg.
The victims were identified as Dr. Lilita Rancudo, 60, of DepEd Calasiao II and Rolando Rancudo, 61, residents of barangay Nalneran, Basista, who were shot dead on board their car while on a stop at a gasoline station in Barangay Macabito here.
Dr. Rancudo’s associate, Susan Espinoza, principal of Songkoy Elementary School, who was riding with them at the back seat sustained a bullet on the leg while another companion, Ruby Brillantem, principal Lomboy Elementary School, was unhurt.
The victims were immediately rushed to the nearby Pangasinan Provincial Hospital but the Rancudos were declared dead on arrival.
Police Chief Inspector Medardo Soriano, deputy chief of police here, said a task force formed to handle the crime is now looking for the suspects who were identified through interviews in the initial investigation.
PO3 Percival Olieca, investigator on case, said probers are still trying to find out based on witnesses’ accounts the identity of the suspects who were not wearing a mask or bonnet during the crime.
DEATH THREAT
Soriano revealed that Dr. Racundo reported on October 4 about receiving a death threat through text message.
The message read: Mrs. Lilita Rancudo, binibigyan kita ng isang buwan para umalis dyan sa puwesto mo, kurakot ka, kilala mo si Mr. Rogelio Cayabyab, ako ang pumatay sa kanya, kaya lang babae ka, hindi ako pumapatol sa babae. Bibigyan kita ng isang buwan para magbitiw sa puwesto mo. Pero pag hindi pasensya ka na isusunod kita pati na asawa mo.
Despite the advice of the authorities, Dr. Racundo refused to request for security personnel believing that the threat was not serious.
“She said that she doesn’t know of anyone who might have a grudge against her and she doesn’t have any rival or enemy,” Soriano recalled.
The family members also said the couple had no known enemies or a rival of Dr. Racundo.
Meanwhile, 2nd District Rep. Leopoldo Bataoil said in a statement that he is deeply saddened by the recent killing of Rancudo, who was a former principal of Urbiztondo Integrated School in his district.
Bataoil said he will file a House Resolution for committee investigation in aide of legislation, on reported unfair promotion practices and corruption in the hiring of teacher items.
“I wish to reiterate my support to the DepEd in its professionalization and firm stand against corrupt practices. I urge all concerned to respect the rule of law, avail of the justice system and other existing grievance mechanisms to address their complaints against anyone,” he added.—with reports from Dada Austria and Eva Visperas
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