3 hurt as supporters of barangay bets clash in Davao

DAVAO CITY — Three people were hurt when supporters of two rival candidates for village chairman here clashed Saturday evening, police said.

Senior Insp. Teresita Gaspan, Davao City police spokesperson, identified the victims as Alcon Ebrahim, 48; Alibaser Manding Cabuntalan, 34; and Abdul Amas Asis, 29, all of Purok (Community) Isla Verde, Barangay (Village) 23-C in this city.

Initial investigation revealed that the incident happened as supporters of incumbent barangay chair Alemudin Usman and his rival, former village chief Amilbangsa Manding, figured in a heated argument along Purok Zunta, Isla Verde, that degenerated into a fistfight at about 7 p.m.

Amid the fracas, Ebrahim, who just passed by the area, and Cabuntalan, a supporter of Manding’s, were shot by unidentified suspects.

Gaspan said Asis, who supported Usman, was also stabbed in the back by an unknown assailant.

The victims are now being treated at a local hospital as an investigation into what could the first case of violence in Davao City in the run-up to Monday’s village and youth council polls, was being conducted, the police spokesperson said. /cbb