Vice mayor shot in Maguindanao del Sur now recuperating

The local government of Datu Piang, Maguindanao del Sur said Vice Mayor Datu Omar Samama is now recuperating in a hospital after getting shot on Monday, according to a report on GMA Integrated News’ Unang Balita on Tuesday.

Samama was wounded when a suspected sniper shot him while he was giving a speech at a program in Barangay Magaslong around 10 a.m. on Monday.

The vice mayor is seeking reelection in the May 2025 elections.

Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman George Garcia earlier condemned the incident.

"We are so saddened and we accept this as an open challenge to us and other law enforcement authorities. Violence has no place in a civilized society," Garcia said.

The Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) also condemned the attack against Samama.

“This act of violence against a public servant is an attack on peace, democracy, and the rule of law in the Bangsamoro. Such acts have no place in a society striving for justice, good governance, and meaningful change under the leadership of the BARMM Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim,” the MILG earlier said.

“We call on law enforcement agencies to swiftly investigate this incident and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice,” it added.

Meanwhile, data from the Philippine National Police (PNP) showed that one election-related violence has been recorded in Western Visayas.

Authorities are investigating two other incidents in Zamboanga Peninsula and Soccsksargen if these are also election-related.

The PNP also said gun ban violators have reached 1,183. —Joviland Rita/KG, GMA Integrated News

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