Mayor-elect survives ambush; 2 aides killed

>> Monday, June 28, 2010

By Mar T. Supnad and Teddy Molina


CAMP FLORENDO, La Union– The elected mayor of Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte has survived an ambush but her two escorts were killed and one was injured in the attack by unidentified suspects along the boundary of Burgos and Bangui towns.

Supt. Raul Romero, chief of the publication information office here, identified the fatalities as Mario Monje and Fertopel Caletena, both aides of mayor-elect Matilde Sales.

Sales was unhurt in the attack Monday afternoon along with two other companions while the driver of the van, a certain Manolito Rangasan, was wounded and was brought for treatment at the Gov. Roque Ablan Sr. Memorial Hospital. 

Police said the suspects fled immediately while investigators recovered seven empty shells of M16 at the crime scene. 

Romero said motive of the incident is still unknown and police have launched intensified checkpoints in the area.

In Laoag City, Senior Supt. Ulysses Abellera, Ilocos Norte police director, said Sales and her escorts were going to Laoag City aboard a private van when, upon reaching the zigzag road along the boundary of Burgos-Bangui, unidentified armed men suddenly opened fire at them, killing Marjo Monje.

The driver, however, was able to drive the van to the nearest police station where they sought refuge.

The lady mayor-elect was so nervous after the incident that she hid in a convent for fear the gunmen will follow her.

Sales was a three-term vice mayor until she ran for mayor, defeating three other candidates.

Abellera said a manhunt has been launched against the ambushers who are believed to be hired killers.

0 comments:

  © Blogger templates Palm by Ourblogtemplates.com 2008

Back to TOP  

Web Statistics