Village chair survives ambush in Leyte

Albuera ABC President Alberto “Bebot” Sumaljag. Photo by Robert Dejon, Inquirer Visayas

ALBUERA, Leyte — A barangay chairman of this town survived an ambush on Monday morning, police said.

Based on initial investigation, Barangay Benolho chair Alberto “Bebot” Sumaljag managed to evade death as he quickly reclined after seeing a man aim an armalite at his vehicle. Sumaljag sustained a graze wound on his left shoulder.

Sumaljag was among six barangay chairpersons charged by former Albuera police chief and now Ozamis City police head Chief Insp. Jovie Espenido, as among the alleged protectors of self-confessed drug lord Rolando “Kerwin” Espinosa.

The bullet riddled front windshield of Sumaljag’s car. Photo by Robert Dejon

Sumaljag, in an interview, said he has no enemies.

According to him, he was driving his car on his way to the municipal hall to attend their weekly session, when the tire of the vehicle that overtook him exploded.

When Sumaljag slowed down, he said he saw a man aim the armalite at his vehicle, thus, he immediately reclined.

Albuera police chief Sr. Insp. Salvador Apacible Jr. said they have yet to identity the perpetrators as well as the motive behind the shooting incident. /kga