Comelec: Crime gang may be behind shooting during Samar village election

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Wednesday said that a criminal gang may be behind a shooting incident that caused a delayed conduct of Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan election (BSKE) in Barangay Naguma, in Calbayog City, Samar on Monday.

According to the narratives from the Comelec Region VIII Regional Election Director, Comelec Samar Provincial Election Supervisor, and the 8th Infantry Division of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, troops who were providing security assistance for the BSKE and members of the Board of Election Inspectors were fired upon around three times by still-unidentified persons.

The incident happened in the vicinity of Barangay Dinawacan around 6:30 a.m.

Then on Tuesday, troops who were moving from Barangay Dinawacan to Barangay Naguma encountered five members of the Wahingon Criminal Gang who had firearms, leading to a brief armed encounter.

One member of the criminal gang was wounded and apprehended. A caliber .45 pistol with 15 live ammunition, as well as a homemade shotgun with live ammunition, were recovered.

According to the Comelec, the Wahingon Criminal Gang was believed to be the same people behind the incident on Monday.

The Comelec added that the BSKE in Barangay Naguma commenced on November 1, with the counting of votes and proclamation of newly-elected officials done.

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