Zamboanga City (CNN Philippines) — The Philippine National Police (PNP) is in search of two still unidentified suspects responsible for shooting Bongao, Tawi-Tawi Mayor Jasper Que in Zamboanga City.
According to the initial investigation by the Zamboanga City Police, two riding in tandem suspects fired at Que’s convoy early morning on Sunday (February 7).
Senior Inspector Helen Galvez, Zamboanga City police spokesperson said the victim, together with one unidentified companion, arrived at the Zamboanga International Airport early Sunday and left together with two escorts.
When the convoy reached the vicinity of San Jose Road near Baliwasan Central School at around 9:00 a.m., the suspects fired at the convoy, hitting Que.
Que was brought to the Ciudad Medical Hospital where he is receiving medical treatment.
The police are conducting more thorough investigation on the incident. The suspects’ motive is still unclear.
Authorities have yet to determine whether or not this case would be considered an election-related violence incident.
Que decided not to run for re-election, despite being qualified to run for a third term.
In previous interviews, Que said he would focus on campaigning for the Liberal Party’s (LP) presidential bet Manuel ‘Mar’ Roxas II, and for Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Governor Mujiv Hataman, who is aspiring for a second term.
Que is a relative of Sulu Vice Governor Sakur Tan who is an LP member, but is challenging Hataman in the upcoming elections.
Liza Jocson, Zamboanga City-based journalist contributed to this report.
