TWO motorcycle-riding assasins shot dead a politician-businessman in front of a shopping mall in one of this city’s busiest district.
City Police C/Insp. Michael Palermo identified the victim as Abdul “Lamok” Ayong, a defeated candidate for mayor in Malangas, Zamboanga Sibugay.
The 57-year old mayor resides in Sto. Nino District, this city.
Police initial investigation disclosed that Ayong was driving a van along Benigno Aquino Street when two unidentified assailants riding a motorcycle tagged along on the driver’s side and shot Ayong several times.
The victim died on the spot.
Palermo, in a conversation, said Ayong’s shooting might be related either to heated political rivalries in his town. Political murders usually come around whenever an election is looming.
The police chief justified his belief that Ayong’s killing may include political motives due to “his persistence in in getting a favorable ruling against his opponents’ poll victory in 2007.”
It was learned through lawyer Fausto Lingating, the victim’s counsel, that Ayong filed an election protest against incumbent Mayor Cecille Tura but was dismissed last January 30 because of technicalities.
A newspaper report has qouted Tura denying any involvement in Ayong’s killing as police sources said the shooting could be linked to the illegal drugs trade and or the mayor’s previous business dealings.
Palermo said he could neither confirm nor deny such premise but added they will try to find out if such angles can be taken into their ongoing probe.
In 2001, gunmen opened fire with their automatic weapons at Malangas Mayor Denia Tapodoc injuring seven other municipal officials in the process.
REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA
City Police C/Insp. Michael Palermo identified the victim as Abdul “Lamok” Ayong, a defeated candidate for mayor in Malangas, Zamboanga Sibugay.
The 57-year old mayor resides in Sto. Nino District, this city.
Police initial investigation disclosed that Ayong was driving a van along Benigno Aquino Street when two unidentified assailants riding a motorcycle tagged along on the driver’s side and shot Ayong several times.
The victim died on the spot.
Palermo, in a conversation, said Ayong’s shooting might be related either to heated political rivalries in his town. Political murders usually come around whenever an election is looming.
The police chief justified his belief that Ayong’s killing may include political motives due to “his persistence in in getting a favorable ruling against his opponents’ poll victory in 2007.”
It was learned through lawyer Fausto Lingating, the victim’s counsel, that Ayong filed an election protest against incumbent Mayor Cecille Tura but was dismissed last January 30 because of technicalities.
A newspaper report has qouted Tura denying any involvement in Ayong’s killing as police sources said the shooting could be linked to the illegal drugs trade and or the mayor’s previous business dealings.
Palermo said he could neither confirm nor deny such premise but added they will try to find out if such angles can be taken into their ongoing probe.
In 2001, gunmen opened fire with their automatic weapons at Malangas Mayor Denia Tapodoc injuring seven other municipal officials in the process.
REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA