GENERAL LUNA, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte – Judge Hector D. Salise of the Agusan del Norte Regional Trial Court Branch 7 and his driver-bodyguard were wounded in an ambush at the diversion road in Purok 3, Barangay Lemon, Butuan City yesterday.
Initial investigation conducted by the Butuan police showed that Salise was on his way to Bayugan City from Butuan City on board a red government Toyota Innova driven by PO3 Edmund D. Narvaza when a silver Mitsubishi Montero Sport with four armed men onboard appeared and opened fire at them.
Narvaza was able to drive back to Butuan City and reported the incident to the police. The victims sustained bullet wounds in different parts of the body and were taken to the hospital.
The getaway vehicle of the suspects was abandoned in Sibagat, Agusan del Sur. The suspects were seen transferring to another unidentified vehicle.
Police are now investigating the motive of the incident. Salise was mostly handling illegal drugs cases when he was ambushed. (Mike U. Crismundo)