Abra councilor survives ambush

Bangued, Abra , Philippines  – A municipal councilor survived an ambush here last Monday morning, in what local folk fear could be the start of renewed poll-related violence in the province.

Sangguniang Bayan member Danilo Adame was unhurt when unidentified men fired at him, his bodyguard Elinito Adame and driver Sozimo Castillo while they were cruising Barangay Calaba South in this capital town on board an owner-type jeep.

Adame is reportedly a close ally of Bangued Mayor Dominic Valera, who is being challenged in the mayoralty race by Abra Rep. Cecille Luna’s son Ryan.

Police, however, have yet to ascertain if the ambush was related to politics.

In the 2007 elections, at least 27 people were killed in Abra.    – Artemio Dumlao