3 Misamis Occidental pols wounded in sniper fire

MANILA, Philippines — A congressman, a town mayor and a former mayor were wounded by sniper fire in Tangub, Misamis Occidental on Wednesday night.

Misamis Occidental second district Rep. Henry Oaminal, Mayor Michael Gutierrez of Lopez Jaena town and former Oroquieta mayor Jason Almonte were taken to the Misamis University Medical Center for treatment.

Oaminal and Almonte were transferred to the Mars General Hospital and later discharged.

Gutierrez remains confined in the hospital.

A post on the mayor’s Facebook page said he remains in critical condition at the intensive care unit due to brain injury.

Gutierrez is running for vice governor in next year’s elections while Almonte is seeking the congressional seat in the first district of Misamis Occidental.

Initial investigation showed the shooting occurred during a Christmas party of PDP-Laban and Asenso-Ozamiz local party members in Barangay 7 Upper Polao at around 8:45 p.m.

Probers said the bullet hit the frame of the glass door. Almonte was injured when he was hit by a splinter in the neck.

Gutierrez was hit in the temple, with the bullet exiting his nape.

Oaminal suffered minor bruises in the arm and head.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) imposed a lockdown in Tangub as a manhunt for the suspects got underway.

Upon the instruction of PNP chief Gen. Dioanardo Carlos, the Northern Mindanao police formed a special investigation task group to look into the gun attack.

Brig. Gen. Benjamin Acorda, Northern Mindanao police director, called on witnesses to come forward.

Police teams were formed to secure the three politicians.

NBI to assist in probe

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is ready to assist in the probe, but is letting the PNP take the lead in the meantime.

“We will let the PNP do the initial investigation, but I’ll ask the nearest NBI field agents to stand by and extend assistance if requested,” Guevarra said.  – Evelyn Macairan