Iligan solon wounded, 4 dead in ambush try

MANILA, Philippines - Iligan City Rep. Vicente Belmonte Jr. was wounded while four others were killed in an ambush attempt in Misamis Oriental on Thursday.

In a phone-patch interview with ANC, Belmonte said the ambush attempt took place after he landed at the Laguindingan Airport at 1:30 p.m. coming from Manila.

Belmonte said his service car and a backup vehicle were on their way from the airport to the national highway when their path was blocked by a van.

The gunmen from the vehicle then opened fire at Belmonte's convoy, killing his two drivers and two security escorts.

Belmonte said he and two others were wounded.

According to an Asssociated Press report, police chief Brian Inojaldo said five other bodyguards and aides of Belmonte were wounded.

The Mindanao lawmaker, who is being treated in a hospital, believes that the incident is politically motivated.

"Ang Iligan magulo," he told ANC, claiming that he had been receiving death threats.

Belmonte did not identify any possible suspect.