BATANGAS, Philippines – A town councilor of Lemery in Batangas province was shot dead by a still unidentified suspect while inside a cockpit arena in Calaca town Sunday afternoon, police said.

Senior Superintendent Alberto Supapo, Batangas police director, identified the victim as Melecio Aliling Vidal.

According to the report, Vidal had just stepped out from Calaca Cockpit Arena in Barangay Tamayo around 3:30 p.m. when an unidentified suspect appeared from behind and shot him in the head.

Police said Vidal was rushed to Our Lady of Caysasay Medical Center in Lemery but was declared dead upon arrival at the hospital’s emergency room.

Witnesses said the suspect fled on foot towards unknown direction.

Probers have yet to determine the motive behind the shooting incident as well as the suspect’s identity.