By NONOY LACSON & AARON RECUENCO
ZAMBOANGA CITY – Two men riding on a motorcycle shot and wounded Bongao, Tawi-Tawi Mayor Jasper Que shortly before 9 a.m. yesterday.
Zamboanga City Central Police Station spokesperson Senior Inspector Helen Galvez said two motorcycle-riding armed men overtook the black Isuzu Sportivo service vehicle of Que (ZGR 924) and fired at him at close range.
Galvez said the incident took place along the San Jose road in this city while Que was on his way to his residence coming from the Zamboanga City airport.
She said the triggerman only targeted Que and spared his companions and those who were with him at the service vehicle.
His police security escorts were also unarmed because of the gun ban being implemented by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) nationwide, it was learned.
The mayor was immediately rushed to the Ciudad Medical Hospital in this city while the suspects fled to unknown direction aboard their motorcycle.
Policemen who were manning checkpoints in the area immediately responded upon hearing the gunshots and chased the car that was heading towards the hospital. They later learned that the vehicle was carrying Que.
Que was reportedly hit three times but survived the attack as the driver of the car sped off during the gun attack to protect him.
His driver identified as Adjing and Jurmina Hashid, an employee of Bongao town, were unhurt, Galvez said.
Que is a member of the Liberal Party. Although he is qualified to seek reelection for the third and final term, he reportedly decided to withdraw to give more time for the campaign.
Que was quoted in past interviews that he would be actively campaigning for LP presidential candidate Mar Roxas and Mujiv Hataman who is running for governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
Police are yet to conduct investigation if the motive of the attack is related to politics.