LP mayoral bet’s supporters shot dead

BUTUAN CITY, Philippines – Two supporters of a mayoral candidate of the Liberal Party (LP) in Bacuag, Surigao del Norte have been shot dead.

Jojit Deloyola Sembillo, 37, and her partner, Ritchie Rosario, 18, were in their house when unidentified men entered through the back door and shot them last Saturday, Senior Inspector Edgar Enrico Macaraeg, Bacuag police chief, said yesterday.

A bullet and 12 bullet shells for an M16 rifle were recovered at the scene.

Macaraeg said the victims were with the group of LP coordinator Alyn Silagan, who died in a hospital five days after he was shot at a beach resort.

LP mayoral candidate Ryan Orquian told The STAR the victims were his supporters.

Macaraeg said they are investigating if the killings were politically motivated.