Laguna councilor ambushed, 2 dead

CAMP PACIANO RIZAL, Philippines — Two persons were killed, while two others — one a municipal councilor — were being treated in a hospital, following an ambush by in Alaminos, Laguna on Monday evening.

Lino Zuǹiga, a councilor in Alaminos town, suffered gunshot wounds on his leg and arm after the suspects sprayed bullets on his car, as they were travelling along Del Pilar St. in Alaminos around 10:45 p.m. Also wounded was the councilor’s companion, Nelson Briz.

The driver, Sonny Briz, however, died on the spot, while his cousin James Briz died hours later in the hospital.

Senior Superintendent Pascual Muǹoz, Laguna police director , in a phone interview Tuesday, said the victims had just come from a derby fight, also in Alaminos, when attacked by a still undetermined number of gunmen onboard a motorcycle and another car.

“Their vehicle was sandwiched between (the gunmen’s) vehicles, pero ang napuruhan ay yung driver’s side,” Muǹoz said.

Zuǹiga was seated on the front passenger seat. The gunmen had escaped.

Muǹoz said Zuǹiga’s family, when interviewed by the police, was not inclined to believe the attack was politically-motivated.

“We are looking into the possibility of a skirmish in the derby fight although we are not ruling out other angles,” he said.