Reelectionist village councilor hurt in Pangasinan shooting

DAGUPAN CITY — A reelectionist councilor of Mangatarem, Pangasinan was hurt Thursday night after he was hit by a stray bullet as he passed by a political rally in a village there, police said.

Senior Superintendent Marlou Chan, provincial director, said Councilor Raymundo Cruz was hit on his left arm. He was taken to a nearby clinic by his brother and then later, to  a hospital in Dagupan City, where he is now recuperating.

Chief Inspector Fidel Junio, Mangatarem police chief, said Cruz, who is running under the Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino, dropped by Barangay (village) Caoile Olegario in Mangatarem at about 9:20 p.m. Thursday to listen to the town’s Liberal Party candidates, who were having a political rally in the village.

But Junio said when Cruz arrived in the area, he saw a throng of people running away from the gathering.

He said the commotion ensued when somebody shouted while LP vice mayoral candidate Nelson Cruz was speaking.

Junio said Cruz then immediately left the place and rode on his motorcycle.

Then shots rang, with a bullet hitting his left arm.

Junio said no one else was reported hurt in the incident.