CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines – The husband of a political candidate was killed while another was injured when the vehicle they were riding in was ambushed on the eve of election day.
According to the Opol town police, Eliezer Zafra, 41, was killed and his companion, Dondon Enriquez, was hit in the chest, as gunmen fired at the pick-up truck on Sunday evening.
Zafra’s wife Nilda Gallogo Zafra is running for Barangay Captain of Barangay Malanang, Opol.
Both victims were rushed to Polymedic Hospital here but Zafra was declared dead by attending physicians.
Witnesses told the police that several armed men opened fire at the vehicle.
Scene of Crime Operatives (Soco) recovered several empty shells of M16 and cal. 45 pistol at the ambush site.
Police follow-up investigation resulted in the arrest of two suspects identified as Hermmies Bob Abellanosa, 22 years old, single a resident of Tulahon, Malanang, Opol Misamis Oriental and Arnel L Vertudazo, 40 years old, married and a resident of Zone 5, Malanang, Opol Misamis Oriental.
Police said the suspects were seen by witnesses at the scene of the crime when the incident happened.
Both Abellanosa and Vertudazo are known supporters of incumbent Malanang Brgy. Captain Sino Suaner Dragon who is seeking re-election.
On Monday morning, Sino Suaner Dragon, incumbent Brgy. Captain of Malanang, Opol, Misamis Oriental voluntarily surrendered to Opol Municipal Police Station in relation to the shooting incident.
Police said the three will be subjected to paraffin test and cases will be filed following an investigation. (davaotoday.com)
