by Lemuel L.Pagliawan
Tabango, Leyte–Municipal Police Chief PCPT. ANTHONY -RE B. AMORA said in a media interview they have already confirmed the identity of the fleeing suspects which up to press time are still at large.
“We have already alerted nearby barangays and towns relative to the identity and the offense committed by the suspects,” Amora said.
The ambush transpired in Brgy. Manlawaan of said municipality at about 5:45 Friday afternoon.
Initial investigation disclosed that the victims, about eight individuals, were riding a private van from a certain barangay heading towards the town proper of Tabango when they were fired upon by some men in the vicinity of Brgy. Manlawaan.
Several shots hit the vehicle mostly at the windshield resulting to the wounding of 3 passengers in the van involved.
The wounded individuals were immediately brought to the nearest medical facility and are now safe.
It was learned from local police that the victims were supporters of the incumbent local chief executive while the suspects were also tagged as supporters of the opposing local political party.
Amora, however, refused to conclude this is politically motivated even if midterm elections are to be conducted already Monday, May 12.
Wounded individuals were only identified as Alias Arnol, Tibor, and Boy. With them in the vehicle but were not wounded were Alias Jerry, Mesias, Paul, and Fernando.
On the other hand, the suspects were only disclosed in their Aliases as Tisoy, Andy, and Tuko who are now subject of the intensified hot pursuit operations by combined forces of the police and military in the locality.
Meantime, the victims who were not wounded were detained and held under police custody for further investigation for violating certain election law as about five high powered firearms were accordingly found inside the vehicle they were riding.