Pampanga mayor’s ally survives ambush

MABALACAT CITY, Pampanga, Philippines – A political supporter of Mayor Marino Morales survived an ambush in Barangay Dolores, in what is considered as “the first ever politically motivated violence” recorded in this city.

The Mabalacat police said two unidentified gunmen on a motorcycle shot former Barangay San Joaquin chief David Davidson in Barangay Dolores Friday night.

Davidson told police he was riding his motorcycle on his way home when the gunmen shot at him at the Dolores Interchange of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway.

He said the gunmen had followed him when he left his home for a meeting in Barangay Dolores.

“When the suspects started shooting at me, my motorcycle skidded and fell. I think the fall saved my life,” he told police investigators.

Davidson served as barangay kagawad from 1999 to 2007 and barangay captain from 2007 to 2010. He lost in the 2010 election, but was eventually declared winner when he filed a protest.

Morales, who is runing for re-election, condemned the assassination attempt on Davidson.

”I am saddened  and alarmed by the ambush on Davidson. I have been in politics for many years and this is the first time this happened to my supporter,” he said.