Mayor Michael Gutierrez /Facebook
BUTUAN CITY––A mayor in Misamis Occidental who is running for vice governor of the province in 2022 was shot in the head Wednesday by a sniper in Tangub City, Misamis Occidental, police said.
Lopez Jaena town Mayor Michael Gutierrez was hit in the left temple, and the slug exited his nape, according to an incident report of Major Gerard Paul Duran, officer-in-charge of the Tangub City police station.
The shooting happened around 8:45 p.m. while Gutierrez attended a Christmas fellowship party hosted by outgoing Misamis Occidental Rep. Henry Oaminal, who is running for governor in 2022.
Gutierrez was rushed to the Misamis University Medical Center in nearby Ozamiz City.
Former Oroquieta City Mayor Jason Almonte, who is running for congressman in the province’s first district, was wounded in the attack but has been in stable condition, Duran said.
“We pray for peace, justice, and healing (for) Mayor Michael Gutierrez. We may not be in the same camp, but it is not right that this criminal act be done to you,” said Misamis Occidental Gov. Philip Tan in a statement Thursday,
“We urge the PNP command to conduct a thorough investigation of such violent act, which we strongly oppose,” Tan added.
“We pray for comfort and peace as well to Cong. Henry (Oaminal), (former) Mayor Jason (Almonte), and the rest of (their) team,” Tan further said.
Oaminal is running against Tan for the gubernatorial race.