24 arrested in Nueva Ecija shootout; Ilocos Sur incident defused – PNP

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday said a total of 24 suspects were arrested in Nueva Ecija, following a gunfight between security personnel of incumbent Mayor Isidro Pajarillaga and mayoral candidate Virgilio Bote.

Of the 24, five suspects were wounded but have already received proper medical attention, said the PNP in a statement.

“The five wounded persons have been given proper medical attention but remain to be under police custody to face further investigation,” said the PNP.

The shooting incident occurred in Purok Gulod, Barangay Concepcion, General Tinio, Nueva Ecija at around 11:45 p.m.

Arresting officers confiscated from the suspects five M-16 rifles, a 12-gauge shotgun, 15 handguns, and over 200 rounds of assorted live ammunition.

The Nueva Ecija police said formal complaints for is frustrated Murder, violation of R.A. 10591 and violation of the Omnibus Election Code (Gun Ban) against the arrested suspects are being readied.

 Gunfight in Ilocos Sur defused

Meanwhile, the PNP also released an update on the shooting incident in Ilocos Sur where four people died after a gunfight involving supporters of mayoral candidates Lorry Salvador Jr. and Alrico Favis, husband of the incumbent mayor of Magsingal.

“In a related development, I am pleased to announce that tension in the town of Magsingal, Ilocos Sur has been defused as more police personnel were sent to the area to maintain peace and prevent the situation from further escalating after two opposing groups each led by political aspirants figured in a shooting incident on Saturday morning that left four persons dead and four others wounded,” said PNP acting Officer-in-Charge Lieutenant General Vicente Danao Jr.

He added that a thorough investigation is underway.

Danao also stressed that this incident in Ilocos Sur was an isolated case “as the situation in the entire province of Ilocos Sur and the Ilocos-Pangasinan region remains peaceful and orderly.”

“Nonetheless, the PNP will continue to monitor the situation and take further appropriate police intervention as necessary including possible recommendations to the Commission on Elections (Comelec),” said Danao.  

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