Pasay City map
MANILA, Philippines — The mayor of Datu Montawal in Maguindanao has escaped death in a gun attack along Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City.
The ambush attempt happened on Wednesday evening (February 22), but the Southern Police District (SPD) released a report on the incident on Friday, citing information from the Pasay City Police.
In the report, police said Mayor Ohto Caumbo Montawal sustained a gunshot wound on his hip and left arm following the assault.
Based on the account of witness Ronald Caumbo, Datu Montawal town planning officer and companion of the mayor during the attack, they were heading toward Gil Puyat Avenue on board a van when two unidentified armed men came closer to their vehicle. It was not clear if the suspects were on foot or were riding a motorcycle.
“One of the suspects pulled out a gun and fired toward their vehicle. After the incident, the suspects fled away going to Buendia, Pasay City, while the victim was rushed to Ospital ng Maynila and later transferred to Asian Hospital, Muntinlupa City,” the SPD said in the report.
Authorities also said the investigation is still ongoing, including a review of the footage captured through a closed circuit television installed in the vicinity of the crime scene.
This is the latest case in a string of recent attempts on the lives of local officials over the past few days.
On February 17, Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Adiong Jr. and two of his companions were wounded in a gun attack in Maguing town. But four of his police escorts were killed.
READ: Lanao del Sur gov Mamintal Adiong hurt in slay attempt; 4 aides dead
On February 19, Aparri, Cagayan Vice Mayor Rommel Alameda and his five aides were slain in an ambush in Bagabag town in Nueva Vizcaya province.
READ: Aparri vice mayor, 5 others killed in Nueva Vizcaya ambush