MANILA, Philippines - Two persons were killed while two others were wounded when armed men ambushed a vehicle carrying municipal officials in Bukidnon last Saturday afternoon, police said.
According to reports reaching Camp Crame, the vehicle burst into flames, burning alive Fernando No-on, chairman of Barangay Dominorog, Talakag town.
Inspector Adolfo Mercado Jr., Talakag police chief, said the charred body of No-on was later retrieved but authorities could not yet determine how many gunshot wounds he suffered from the attack.
Mercado said No-on’s companions managed to jump off the vehicle before it caught fire.
Police said municipal employee Aniceto Aranas, 39, succumbed to two bullet wounds, while municipal treasurer Editha Aranas and barangay councilman David Palacio sustained bullet wounds and were rushed to hospitals in Malaybalay City and Cagayan de Oro City.
Mercado said the Isuzu Fuego pickup, driven by No-on, was cruising Barangay Dominorog when at least three men fired at it with long firearms.
“We are looking at several angles, including politics and land disputes in Barangay Dominorog,” Mercado said. – With Edith Regalado