The incumbent mayor of Garchitorena, Camarines Sur, his wife and two other companions survived an ambush before dawn yesterday.
Police said Garchitorena Mayor Nelson Bueza, his wife Yolly, running mate Marcelo Aragdon and his driver Errol Arcilla escaped unharmed when unidentified gunmen riddled their sports utility vehicle (SUV) with bulllets in Garchitorena.
Police Col. Roderico Roy Jr., chief of Camarines Sur provincial police, said Bueza and his companions had just attended a meeting in the nearby Tigaon town and were on their way home when the incident happened.
A spot report said an improvised explosive device (IED) went off along Fuentebella Highway in Barangay Toytoy around 1:25 a.m. followed by a barrage of gunfire from motorcycle-riding suspects. The victims’ car was riddled with bullets in the front and left side portions.
Police said Arcilla had the presence of mind to drive away from the scene and bring the victims to a safe place. The victims then reported the incident to authorities.
Police Col. Bernard Banac, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman, said an investigation has already been conducted to determine the motive behind the attack. “The PNP is already conducting investigation to determine possible suspects and motive,” Banac said.
At least 95 spent shells and a number of explosives that did not explode were recovered at the scene, the police noted.
Roy said that the suspected IED used in the ambush contained components from explosives used in illegal fishing.
Police also confirmed that the Garchitorena town has been included in the list of election hotspots in Camarines Sur.
Bueza is running for a reelection in the May 13 midterm elections while Aragdon is challenging the incumbent vice mayor of Garchitorena. (Martin Sadongdong)