Maguindanao town mayor hurt in Pasay ambush —police

Datu Montawal, Maguindanao del Sur Mayor Ohto Caumbo Montawal was hurt after two assailants shot him while inside his vehicle in Pasay City on Wednesday, police said Friday.

In a statement, the Southern Police District (SPD) said Montawal’s vehicle was traversing the Roxas Boulevard Service Road about 6:30 p.m. when shot by the suspects.

After the shooting, the suspects fled away heading to Buendia, Pasay City.

Montawal sustained a gunshot wound on his hip and left arm. He was rushed to Ospital ng Maynila and later transferred to Asian Hospital in Muntinlupa City.

Two fired cartridge cases were recovered from the scene.

The police are now screening the CCTV footage within the area, according to the SPD.

The shooting was the latest incident of violence committed against local officials this month.

On February 17, gunmen shot at a convoy of Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Alonto Adiong Jr. in Bukidnon. Though Adiong survived, four of his companions were killed.

On February 19, Aparri, Cagayan Vice Mayor Rommel Alameda and five others were killed in an ambush in Bagabag, Nueva Vizcaya. —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA Integrated News