Zamboanga del Norte town vice mayor, 2 others killed in ambush

The Philippine National Police reported that Baliguian-Zamboange del Norte Vice Mayor Gani Esmali, Patrolman Godelito Corbita Bongcac, and their companion Jaymalin Jalabi Tunggal were killed in a Saturday morning ambush in the province's Siocon town.

A fourth victim, Abduladjid Ibno Bairula, was also wounded but survived the ambush.

According to Siocon police investigators, Esmali and his companions were on their way to Siocon from Baliguian but were fired upon by five gunmen when they reached Barangay Santa Maria at 11:20 a.m.

The gunmen then fled towards Baliguian in a grey pickup truck.

Police officers responding to the gunfire immediately rushed the victims to the Siocon District Hospital on reaching the scene.

Esmali, Bongcac, and Tunggal were unfortunately declared dead on arrival.

Meanwhile, recovered at the crime scene were 49 fired cartridge cases from an M-16 rifle, and an aluminum  magazine loaded with 18 rounds of ammunition.

Siocon police investigators were working on the case and attempting to identify the shooters. — DVM, GMA News