An official of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) was shot dead while driving his car in Barangay Curva Miagao, Salvador, Lanao del Norte on Monday, November 25, 2024.

Police identified the victim as Mark Orlando Vallecer II, acting election officer of Nunungan, Lanao del Norte.

Initial investigation disclosed that the victim came from a meeting with the provincial election officer of Lanao del Norte when he was shot by motorcycle-riding gunmen.

The victim sustained three gunshot wounds. He did not reach the hospital alive.

“Base sa pag-imbestiga ng SOCO, dose na bala ang point of entry tapos may tatlong tama ang biktima isa sa right thorax, isa sa right arm, at isa sa left thorax,” Salvador Municipal Police Station Chief, Major Teodorico Gallego, said.

Authorities recovered five fired cartridge cases of a caliber .45 pistol from the crime scene.

Investigators believe that the motive of the killing may be work-related.

The victim’s wife also reportedly said that her husband received death threats following the 2023 barangay elections.

“Possible na related siya, kasi kung Maranao yung election officer, pwede nating sabihin na rido sa Maranao, diba? Pero Christian yung election officer, taga Cagayan de Oro,” Gallego added.

Police have started checking CCTV cameras in the area of the incident.

The family of the victim has yet to issue a statement for security reasons.

(With reports from James Paolo Yap, GMA Regional TV One Mindanao)