Northern Samar mayor, son shot

CATBALOGAN CITY, Philippines – The re-electionist mayor of Victoria, Northern Samar and his son were shot and wounded Thursday night. Two suspects were arrested.

Police said Mayor Jose Ardales and his son George, 23, rushed out of their house as they heard voices but were greeted with gunfire. They were rushed to a hospital in Allen town.

Two suspects, identified as Albert Kennedy and Precidila Aliganza, were arrested, said Inspector Romuel Nacar, media officer of the regional police.

Probers were questioning the two on their motive and their masterminds, if any.

In Calbayog City, Samar, meanwhile, motorcycle-riding men gunned down Amado Lauyon, chairman of Barangay Matobato, and wounded his son and a bystander last Tuesday.

Police, however, said these shootings are isolated incidents and would not affect the peaceful conduct of the May 13 polls.