BSKE bet slain in gun attack Maguindanao

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — A candidate in the coming barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) and his companion were killed in an attack in South Upi, Maguindanao del Sur on Sunday afternoon.

The killing of Zeraphi Omar, who is running for kagawad in Barangay Biarong, South Upi, and his companion, Parato Mudzol, 32, occurred a day after motorcycle-riding men shot dead Leonardo de Jesus Jr., who was seeking a third term as barangay councilman in nearby Datu Piang town.

Investigation is ongoing into the killing of De Jesus, authorities said.

Omar and Mudzol were on a motorcycle when assailants waylaid them in Barangay Lamud, according to Col. Roel Sermese, Maguindanao del Sur police director.

Omar is a son of Datu Esmal Omar, incumbent chief of Barangay Biarong.

Police have yet to determine the motive for the killing and identify suspects.

Meanwhile, in Sultan Kudarat, motorcycle-riding men shot dead an Army private and wounded two others in Tacurong City.

Pvt. Reymar Pelaez was talking to his cousin, Royce Garde, in front of their house when a motorcycle with two men on board pulled up.

One of the men pulled out a gun and shot the victims, killing Pelaez instantly.

Garde and bystander Jay-AR Dineal were taken to a hospital for treatment of gunshot wounds.