Mindoro NIA exec survives slay attempt

CALAPAN CITY, Philippines – Police are looking at personal grudge as the motive for the attempt on the life of a top official of the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) based in this city on Friday.

Wilfredo Balauro, administrative officer of NIA-Oriental Mindoro office, was driving his Suzuki Vitara car with his two sons on board, when motorcycle-riding men blocked and opened fire at them in Barangay Masipit.

Balauro, who was hit in the leg, managed to drive the car to the police station in Barangay Ilaya. His sons survived unscathed.

Investigators said the gunmen used a 9 mm pistol in the attack.

Provincial police director Senior Superintendent Ronaldo de Jesus said his men are still gathering evidence on the incident.