Village chief hurt in Abra ambush

BENGUET, Philippines - The president of the barangay chairman's association in Langiden town, Abra province was hurt in an ambush before noon Thursday.

Artemio "Billy Boy" Donato Jr., chairman of Barangay Baac, was hit in the forearm when unidentified gunmen fired at their convoy in Sitio Lipit, Barangay Nalnas-Dalayap at around 11:40 a.m.

Donato's companions escaped the ambush unhurt.

Chief Superintendent Benjamin Magalong, Cordillera police director, said investigators are ongoing to determine the identities of Donato's assailants.

He said that police investigators have subjected "persons of interest" to paraffin tests.

Magalong, meanwhile, allayed fears that the attempt on Donato’s life may affect the improving peace and security situation in the province as the village chief is allegedly allied with a warlord clan.

"It will not distract us from pursuing our peacekeeping strategy," he said.