University exec in Mindanao wounded in slay try

NORTH COTABATO, Philippines  --- A still unidentified gunman shot and wounded Sunday night the human resources director of  University of Southern Mindanao in Kabacan town.

The victim, Dr. Cynthia Alpas, was alighting from her vehicle after pulling over from a busy spot in Matalam town in North Cotabato when a lone gunman, clad in denim pants and dark shirt, casually approached and opened fire with a .45 caliber pistol.

Alpas was hit in the arm and thigh, according to Matalam’s municipal police chief, Senior Inspector Elias Dandan.

Witnesses said the suspect wanted to fire more shots against the victim, who was already slumped on the ground, but balked after sensing that the shots he fired attracted the attention of barangay watchmen who were near the area.

Dandan said investigators have yet to determine if the attempt to kill Alpas could be related to the on-going protests actions by a group at the USM seeking the ouster of the university’s president, Jesus Antonio Derije.

The protesters allowed the opening of the university's gates Monday (June17), which they shut for close to six months, to signify their demand for Derije’s ouster over alleged mismanagement and embezzling of huge amounts of school funds.

The Commission on Higher Education reportedly designated last week an outsider to act as caretaker of the USM pending the resolution of the graft and administrative cases involving Derije.

Dandan said the wounded Alpas is now confined at a hospital, guarded by policemen.

The  attempt to kill Alpas was preceded by the burning by still unidentified arsonists of the vehicle of the chief security officer of the USM while parked  inside the campus.

Police investigators said two men on Monday dawn poured gasoline n the vehicle  and set it  on fire using disposable cigarette lighters.

The suspects escaped, leaving two empty  fuel cans . John Unson