Bukidnon town mayor dies in NPA ambush

MANILA, Philippines—Members of the New People’s Army killed the mayor of Impasug-ong, Bukidnon in an ambush Wednesday morning, authorities said.

Mayor Mario Okinlay died hours after he was rushed to the Malaybalay Polymedic Hospital, Major Christian Uy, spokesman of the Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry Division, said.

The motorcycle-riding Okinlay was passing Barangay (village) Bontongon en route to the municipal hall together with 19 members of the local government unit after conducting “Hatod Serbisyo,” a medical mission that would bring basic services to the people, when he was attacked around 8 a.m.

He died in hospital at 11:23 a.m. due to bullet wounds in the stomach, Uy said.

Around three NPA rebels opened fire at the convoy, hitting Okinlay.

Uy added that the motorcycle convoy was between two pick-up trucks.

Okinlay’s municipal hall is located in Barangay Poblacion that is 18 kilometers from Barangay Bontongon.

Uy believes that Okinlay has been the target of the communist rebels after the official coordinated with the military for his humanitarian missions.

“He coordinates with us, including this medical mission,” Uy said. “The NPA rebels probably want to discredit the military and the local government for such missions.”

He added that Impasug-ong was once a “rebel-influenced” area.

Members of the 8th Infantry Battalion, who are based in Impasug-ong, are now in pursuit of the rebels.

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