NGO executive director killed in the Philippines

Wilhelm Geertman was shot and killed by an unidentified gunman Tuesday (July 3). Photo by: Citizens’ Disaster Response Center

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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