Comelec exec killed as poll violence hits Palawan

An official of the Commission on Elections in Palawan was shot dead by an unidentified gunman at around 7:30 last night on his way back to the Comelec office.

Petronillo Amorin, election assistant 2 in Puerto Princesa, was walking on his way back to the Comelec office in Barangay San Pedro when the assailant shot him once to the head. It was not clear how many shots were fired but four empty shells of .45 caliber pistol were recovered from the crime scene.

The gunman then fled with his accomplice who was waiting for him on a motorcycle. Police sources said there was a pursuit but the killer made good his getaway.

"We are calling for an in-depth investigation to determine the suspect. If this is politically motivated, it would not speak well of the political situation in that area. But we also have to find out if there are personal motives behind the incident," Comelec Commissioner Rene Sarmiento said.

The police department in Puerto Princesa did not issue any statement as of press time.

Jersan Bangcong, a Comelec employee, said they will not let this incident stop them from performing their duties this coming elections. – Claudio Daquer Jr., James Mananghaya