Lanao Sur mayor shot

MARAWI CITY — A Lanao del Sur mayor was shot and wounded yesterday morning just before the local court was to render its decision on an electoral protest which his rival in the 2004 elections had filed.

The police refused to give any statement, except to say that Mayor Mohammad Ali Merkano Abinal of Marantao town was attacked before Judge Hadji Macaundas Rasul could hand down his decision on the poll protest filed by Jimmy Guro.

Abinal is now in the intensive care unit of the Mercy Hospital in Iligan City.

Policemen and Marines, who are securing Abinal in the hospital, refused to give any details on the shooting.

According to a source, it was not known who shot Abinal although there were several gunshots heard.