Mayoral bet’s supporter wounded in Cebu shooting; cops doubt ambush claim

CEBU CITY, Philippines – A supporter of a mayoral candidate sustained a gunshot wound in the leg Saturday during the delivery of precinct count optical scan machines and other election materials to a mountain village in Tuburan town, but police were doubtful he was shot by an assailant.

Giovani dela Cerna Puno, 24, was riding on the back of a motorcycle in a convoy assisting the delivery of PCOS machines to Barangay (village) Sumpa when he was hit in the left thigh.

But Police Officer 1 Mark Anthony Quijano of the Tuburan police station said they did not find evidence of ambush although investigation was still ongoing.

PO2 Dexter Arapoc said the camp of Puno claimed he was ambushed but an initial investigation indicated Puno was likely hit by his own gun based on the location of the wound on his thigh.

Puno, who was brought to a hospital in Cebu City, was a supporter of One Cebu mayoral candidate Rose Marie Suezo, who is running against incumbent Mayor Democrito “Aljun” Diamante of the Liberal Party.