Misamis Occidental town mayor dies days after gun attack

Mayor Michael Gutierrez (left) and Andrea “Pinky” Gutierrez | PHOTO: Andrea “Pinky” Gutierrez’s facebook profile

DAVAO CITY––A mayor in Misamis Occidental town running for vice governor of the province in 2022 died days after unidentified armed men shot him Wednesday in Tangub City.

His daughter Andrea “Pinky” Gutierrez announced the passing of Lopez Jaena town Mayor Michael Gutierrez in a social media post on Monday.

“With great sorrow, we announce the loss of our beloved husband, father, and leader, the late Michael Gutierrez,” said the message from the Gutierrez family. “He was a light in this world, and now, we need to continue shining his light by carrying it within us and on with our own lives.”

The mayor was shot at 8:45 p.m. on Dec. 22 while attending a Christmas fellowship party hosted by outgoing Misamis Occidental Rep. Henry Oaminal, who is running for governor in 2022.

Gutierrez was hit in the left temple, with the slug exiting his nape, according to a report of Major Gerard Paul Duran, officer-in-charge of the Tangub City police station.

Gutierrez was rushed to the Misamis University Medical Center in Ozamiz City and was transported later to Manila. With reports from Divina Suson, Inquirer Mindanao

lzb