Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 24) — The Commission on Elections and the Philippine National Police in Bicol ruled that the Masbate shooting incident that happened on Sunday is “election-related.”
On Oct. 22, a politically motivated shooting of candidates in Barangay Maingaran, Masbate resulted in the death of a barangay kagawad candidate and wounding of a barangay chairman aspirant.
PRO5 spokesperson Malu Calubaquib identified the victims as 44-year-old Juvy Pintor (barangay kagawad) and Joseph Conrado Martinez, 59 (barangay chairman).
Victims were reportedly attending a neighbor’s wake when a confrontation with a group of suspects ensued.
Authorities said a manhunt operation is ongoing to go after the perpetrators.
Suspects were Albert Aganan, Bong Bong Aganan, Eddie Badilla, Friday Inopia, Ruel Inopia, Iraq Leo Andaya, Angelo Amaro De Jesus, and Allan Amaro Sese.
They were believed to be companions and supporters of the opposing candidate vying for the same position of barangay chairman.
A video footage gathered by Masbate police revealed that it was Aganan and Inopia who discharged firearms during the confrontation, leading to the tragic death of Pintor and injury of Martinez.
