2 village poll bets killed in Zambo grenade attack

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - – Two candidates seeking positions in the barangay elections in this city were killed, while 12 others including a village chairman were injured in simultaneous grenade explosions Monday night. 

Elvic Gregorio died on the spot while Cecilia Ebol died while being treated at the hospital.

Gregorio and Ebol were running as village councilors in the barangay elections on Nov. 25. It could be recalled that the polls in this city was postponed due to the Zamboanga siege.

Ten of the injured victims were identified as Barangay Ayala chairman Diosterides Libredo, his wife Novelita; village councilors Alex Macapili, Edgar Enriquez, Victoria  Darline Padernal, Reiner and James Salangit and Bobong Toralba; driver Mario Bucoy, and  village security Arsenio Agustin.

The victims were having a meeting at the house of Libredo when two motorcycle-riding  men hurled two grenades at them at about 8 p.m., said Senior Inspector Edilberto Alvarez, Station 9 chief of police.              

Libredo was seriously injured that doctors had to amputate his legs. The rest of the victims suffered shrapnel wounds.

Alvarez said initial investigation showed the suspects stopped in front  of Libredo’s house and lobbed two grenades before fleeing toward the city proper. 

“Some of the victims thought it was only stone,” he said.

Police have yet to determine whether the attack was politically-motivated.