A purok leader of a local political coalition was shot dead allegedly by the group’s opponent at a remote village in Clarin town on Saturday afternoon, two days before the midterm polls, in what police described to be a well-planned attack.
Vice mayoral candidate Mayor Allen Rey Piezas, who is running under the Padayon Bol-anon coalition, confirmed that the fatality, Ernesto Sioco, Jr., 39, of Poblacion Sur, was his supporter.
“Strong na supporter to nako, strong to na political leader nako,” said Piezas.
According to Piezas, he has gathered reports indicating that his opponent, Eugene Ibarra, was behind the daylight gun attack against Sioco.
“Naa tay kontra taga Davao, gada og mga taga Davao diri.Ultimong anak sa akong kapitan gi-tiunan, wana silay tarong na panghuna-hunaba,” he said.
Captain Gregorio Bubole, officer-in-charge of the Clarin Police Station, said there was a “big” possibility that it was an election-related attack but they are still conducting further investigations to pinpoint the motive behind the murder.
“Dakong posibilidad na dunay kalambigitan ni sa politika. Pero ato sa ning imbestigaran…Nag-conduct pa ta og deeper investigation og unsa gyud ang motibo ani,” he said.
Sioco was cornered and gunned down by four assailants onboard two motorcycles, one trailing him and the other incoming from the opposite lane, at a barangay road in Candajec, Clarin.
According to Bubole, the attack was well-planned.
“Sa atong pagtan-aw planado kaayo kay gi sundan siya ‘nya dunay hinagbo pud. Unya gaabot g’yud sa area na walay balay,” he said.
Sioco was still able to run after he was shot until he fell down and succumbed to his injuries several meters away from the barangay road.
“Gi-apas gyud ni siya kay gikan sa barangay road, mga 100 meters pa siya diin natumba. Og naa ka sa barangay road, dili huud siya makita kay diri man siya sa kilid-kild natumba,” said Bubole.
The victim sustained gunshot wounds in his head and body.
Crime scene investigators meanwhile found four empty shells fired from a 9mm pistol at the crime scene.