Investigation is ongoing over the killing of a Dutch aid worker in the city of Angeles in the province of Pampanga Tuesday (July 3).
Wilhelm Geertman was the executive director of Alay Bayan-Luzon, Inc., a Philippine nongovernmental organization focusing on disaster management. He was shot by an unidentified gunman in his office in a subdivision in Angeles, Inquirer Global Nation reports.
The gunman had a companion and fled the scene via a motorcycle. Geertman, meanwhile, was rushed to the hospital but died from his wounds.
The reason behind the killing is not yet clear, but police investigator Nenchu Nucup told The Associated Press the suspects fled with a bag believed to contain 1.2 million Philippine pesos ($28,770). But ABI chair Joseph Canlas hints it may be politically motivated, according to an article by Rappler.
Farmers from the Alyansa ng mga Magbubukid sa Gitnang Luzon said Wilhelm has considered the Philippines to be his second home. He has helped farmers through his NGO and has done projects sponsored by the European Union and Caritas International, among others, as quoted by InterAksyon.
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About the author
Jenny Lei Ravelo@JennyLeiRavelo
Jenny Lei Ravelo is a Devex Senior Reporter based in Manila. She covers global health, with a particular focus on the World Health Organization, and other development and humanitarian aid trends in Asia Pacific. Prior to Devex, she wrote for ABS-CBN, one of the largest broadcasting networks in the Philippines, and was a copy editor for various international scientific journals. She received her journalism degree from the University of Santo Tomas.