NCIP official wounded in ambush at Davao Oriental market

TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte, Philippines—The chief of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) in Davao Oriental was wounded in an ambush by unidentified gunmen at a market in Mati City, Davao Oriental, on Tuesday evening.

Julius Mabini was rushed to a local hospital for treatment following the attack at Matiao village past 6 p.m., witnesses said.

Mabini was with two bodyguards when an undetermined number of armed men opened fire at them. One of his aides was killed.

Witnesses said the NCIP official was outside his vehicle when several gunshots rang out.

Tuesday’s shooting was the latest of attacks on government officers and employees in Davao Oriental’s capital in recent months.
Last month, two policemen were killed by unknown assassins in Mati.

Police have not issued a formal report on the attack on the NCIP official.