The group of Barangay Captain Majadiva Mesina of Barangay (village) Longos, was on board a Toyota Grandia Hi-Ace van when they were fired upon by three unidentified motorcycle-riding men along Poblacion East, in front of the public market and municipal hall, said Senior Inspector Ryan Manongdo, Pangasinan police spokesman.
Manongdo said one of Mesinas’ companions was killed, while he and two others were wounded.
When responding officers arrived, a brief firefight ensued along the riverbanks of Sitio (sub-village) Pandayan in Barangay (village) Gabon, but the suspects escaped.
One of the suspects, however, could have been hit as traces of blood were seen at the crime scene, Manongdo said.
The group of Mesina was brought to Villaflor Hospital, Dagupan City for treatment.
Fourteen empty shells were recovered in the area, Manongdo said.
Friday marks the first day of the campaign period for the barangay polls on October 28.
Police Senior Superintendent Reuben Theodore Sindac, Philippine National Police-Public Information Office chief, said that reports reaching the national headquarters showed 18 election-related crimes, 17 shooting incidents and one stabbing. Jamie Marie Elona
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