A man who was among those who filed a petition before the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) against alleged flying voters in Pualas, Lanao del Sur was shot dead on Christmas Day, December 25, 2024.

The 48-year-old victim, Zainodin Sarip Guro, died on the spot after he was shot several times by the gunman who was riding a motorcycle.

According to the family, the victim was supposed to attend church when shot.

“Magsimba yung victim, papasok na sana siya, bigla na lang binaril… wala naman silang alitan… yung pamangkin lang niya si Zainodin Sarip is one of the petitioners sa Brgy Tomarompong,” said alias “Farid, a relative of the victim.

Police recovered four empty bullet shells from the crime scene.

The Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Office said the incident could not be considered as election-related yet.

“Yung parameters natin para mapasok siya sa election related incident, yung victim o suspect ay incumbent politician… ito namang victim natin ay isang farmer o carpenter tapos yung suspect natin still unidentified,” Lanao del Sur PPO Deputy Police Director for Operations, Lt. Col. Jonathan Jamis, said.

Meanwhile, an incumbent barangay chairman in Pualas allegedly shot the husband of another barangay chairman in the town.

The victim sustained a gunshot wound in the feet.

The suspect was said to be under the influence of alcohol at that time and he is being pursued, as of this writing.

**“**Pagtatalo lang na nauwi sa pamamaril so far yun yung motibo na nakikita natin,” Jamis said.