2 supporters of Masbate gov shot dead

MASBATE CITY — Three motorcycle-riding men gunned down two supporters of Masbate Gov. Antonio Kho while they were on their way home last Wednesday afternoon.

Meanwhile, the vice mayor of Baras, Catanduanes, who is seeking re-election under the Lakas-CMD (Christian-Muslim Democrats) banner, was attacked by a knife-wielding man in front of his house Tuesday night.

Police said Eddie Calicoy, 45, an employee at Kho’s office, and Ely Gigante, 35, were en route home in Barangay Del Carmen, Mobo town when they were shot with M-16 Armalite rifles.

Seven hours before the killing, two partisan groups clashed for 30 minutes in Barangay Tagulid in Claveria, Masbate, leaving a certain Rodolfo Pertes, 30, dead.

Claveria is one of 14 Masbate towns declared "areas of concern" in the May 10 polls.

Baras Vice Mayor Chito Chi, 47, sustained three stab wounds in the abdomen. Doctors at the Eastern Medical Center in Virac, Catanduanes have declared him out of danger.

Inspector Rudy Trasmano, Baras police chief, said Chi had just stepped out of his Mitsubishi Adventure in front of his house when a man holding a stainless knife attacked him. He had come from a campaign sortie that night.

Luckily, Chi’s sister, Susan Atun, was around and came to his rescue, warding off the knife thrusts and grabbing her brother away from his attacker who later escaped.

Chi believes the attempt on his life was politically motivated.

Chi is running under the ticket of Mayor Jose Teves. They are pitted against mayoral aspirant George Tanael and his running mate, Ely Carranza, of the Partido Demokratiko Sosyalista ng Pilipinas (PDSP).