DIPOLOG CITY, Philippines – A candidate for town councilor and the brother of a mayoral bet were gunned down in separate incidents in Zamboanga del Norte last week.
The victims were identified as Arnold Anugon, 57, a newly retired Army soldier who is running for councilor in Siayan town; and Ricardo Vallinas, 48, a resident of Barangay Dansalan, younger brother of Labason mayoral candidate Urbano Vallinas.
Four persons were also wounded in the two incidents, including Enercito Vallinas, another brother of Vallinas and Dalia Calimot, former barangay chairperson of Banbanan, Roxas.
A police report said Anugon was waiting for the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary to be brought to his house when two men on motorcycle arrived and shot him several times.
Anugon was pronounced dead on arrival at a hospital.
Ricardo was riding a motorcycle driven by his brother Enercito on their way home to Barangay Dansalan when two men on a motorcycle caught up with them on the highway and pulled out a .45 caliber pistol and shot them.
Ricardo died on the spot while Enercito was hit in the arms and brought to the Liloy District Hospital.