1 dead as LP backers shot in San Pablo

CAMP PACIANO RIZAL, Laguna—Two supporters of a Liberal Party (LP) candidate for mayor in San Pablo City were shot two hours apart on Thursday, prompting the Laguna police to consider the city an election hot spot in Laguna. One was killed.

Ronald “Puti” Akbang, a village councilor in Barangay San Crispin, was gunned down at past 9 a.m. after putting up campaign posters for lawyer Hizon Arago, LP candidate for mayor. Two motorcycle-riding men fired at him.

About two hours later, motorcycle-riding men also shot and wounded Rardine “Waway” Mercado, another supporter of Arago, who is running for mayor against Loreto Amante, son of incumbent Mayor Vicente Amante.

Senior Supt. Pascual Muñoz, Laguna police chief, said he believed the attacks were politically motivated. Maricar Cinco, Inquirer Southern Luzon