Zamboanga Sibugay town mayor killed in ambush

ZAMBOANGA CITY—Tungawan Mayor Randy Climaco was killed in an ambush in his town in Zamboanga Sibugay on Monday afternoon.

Zamboanga Sibugay Gov. Wilter Palma confirmed the death of Climaco, who was ambushed while he and his team were on their way to the village of Bantungan, also in Tungawan.

“It was shocking. It bothers us. Who will be next?” Palma told the Inquirer by phone.

Vice Mayor Raup Arbison and five others, including the mayor’s driver, Charlie de la Cruz, were wounded in the 5 p.m. attack.

Palma said he had directed the police to go after the gunmen.

Climaco’s term as mayor was due to end next year and a cousin who was planning to run in next year’s elections to succeed him was traveling with him but was not hurt in the attack, Palma said.

“I don’t know if he was able to file his certificate of candidacy for another position,” Palma said.

Investigators have yet to establish the identity of the gunmen and the motive of the attack.

Moro rebels and other outlaws have a presence in Zamboanga Sibugay, but it was not immediately clear if they had a role in the attack on Climaco. With a report from AP