City engineer hurt in Bulacan ambush

MALOLOS, Philippines  – The city engineer of San Jose del Monte in Bulacan, who stood as witness in a plunder complaint filed against the mayor and several local officials, was wounded in an attack by two motorcycle-riding men in Santa Maria town on Wednesday.

Rufino Gravador Jr., 55, of Barangay Dulong Bayan, Santa Maria, was driving his sport utility vehicle in Barangay Bulac when the armed men blocked his path and shot at him, according to a report received by Bulacan police director Senior Superintendent Ferdinand Divina.

Thinking they have killed the victim, the armed men fled toward San Jose del Monte City.

Although wounded, Gravador managed to drive himself to the Saint Mary’s Hospital.  He  was hit in the left shoulder, nape and butt.

The victim was transferred to an undisclosed hospital in Manila.

Gravador was the whistle-blower in a case filed with the Office of the Ombudsman against San Jose del Monte Mayor Ernest San Pedro and 16 other city officials.

The case stemmed from the alleged overpriced construction of a new government center building.

Gravador’s lawyer, Elmer Galicia, condemned the attempt on the life of his client. He said the attack could be related to the case.

Galicia said he was not jumping to conclusion, adding the case should be investigated thoroughly. – With Cecille Suerte Felipe