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LINAMON, Lanao del Norte (MindaNews/7 Oct) — An election officer of a hinterland municipality in Lanao del Norte and his two companions survived an ambush attack this morning in the neighboring municipality of Kolambugan, the military said.
Injured were election officer Pangalian Peping Lumabao and his companions Timbang Batinggolo and Abdullah Caontongan when armed men fired upon them at Barangay Pantaon in Kolambugan around 8:35 a.m. They were reportedly rushed to Mercy Community Hospital in Iligan City for treatment.
Investigators said the three were on board a Toyota Hilux pickup on the way to Tangkal from Kolambugan when attacked.
Col. Leo Cresente Ferrer, commanding officer of the Army’s 601st Infantry Brigade, said soldiers and policemen have been dispatched to investigate the incident and neutralize the armed men responsible.
He said investigators are looking at rido (family feud) that began during the last elections as a motive behind the attack.
The Provincial Peace and Order Council, in a meeting last Wednesday, is aiming for “zero violence” in the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections on Oct. 25. (MindaNews)