By Daniel Que
UMINGAN, Pangasinan – The killing of Municipal Councilor Ponciano “Onyok” Onia in this town has drawn widespread condemnation after he was shot dead by unidentified motorcycle-riding gunmen on the night of December 7, 2024.
Onia, 59, was ambushed while driving his Toyota Fortuner along Barangay Lubong, Umingan, around 7:30 p.m. He was accompanied by two employees, Ar-Jhay Roldan Molina and Mark John Dagul Nava, when the suspects, riding a black Honda Click motorcycle, opened fire as they reached an intersection near the provincial road.
After the attack, the assailants fled in the northwest direction.
Onia sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was rushed to Umingan Community Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival.
In a statement, Police Brigadier General Lou Evangelista, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 1 (PRO1), expressed deep sorrow over the incident and extended condolences to the slain councilor’s family, friends, and constituents.
“It is with profound sadness that I address the recent shooting incident resulting in the demise of Mr. Ponciano Vallecer Onia, Municipal Councilor of Umingan, Pangasinan,” Evangelista said.
He added, “We strongly condemn this criminal act, and I assure the public that PRO1 is fully committed to conducting a thorough and impartial investigation ”.
Evangelista emphasized that investigators are working tirelessly to gather evidence and testimonies to bring those responsible to justice. He also highlighted the heightened responsibility of law enforcement during the lead-up to the election period and reaffirmed the commitment to maintaining public safety.
“The safety and security of everyone is our top priority, and we are dedicated to intensifying our police operations,” he said. He also urged the public to cooperate with authorities, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in ensuring justice.
Local officials have expressed their outrage over the murder. Vice Mayor Chris Evert Tadeo-Leynes condemned the killing, calling it a “senseless and inhumane act.”
“We condemn in the strongest possible terms the senseless and most inhumane act of killing incumbent Municipal Councilor Ponciano ‘Onyok’ Onia,” said Vice Mayor Leynes.
She added,“Violence and ruthless killing for personal or political gain have no place in a peaceful community. May justice be served for the tragic loss of a man who had only the welfare of his constituents in mind.”
She also said ,“Violence and ruthless killing for personal or political gain have no place in a peaceful community. May justice be served for the tragic loss of a man who had only the welfare of his constituents in mind.”
Engr. Rosendo So, chairman of the Abono partylist, with which Onia was affiliated prior to his election as councilor, expressed his shock at the “senseless killing.”
“He was kind and helpful to our provincemates. We need to know who is behind it,” So said. He offered his condolences to Onia’s family, describing his death as a huge loss to both Umingan and the province.
Sixth District Rep. Marlyn Primicias-Agabas also condemned Onia’s killing.
“The people of Umingan are very peaceful people and abhor any kind of violence in whatever form. The killing defies any form of human decency,” she said.
She thanked Councilor Onia for all his services to the people of Umingan for many years. “They will never be forgotten,” she added.