Zamboanga Sibugay town mayor, companion shot dead

Vice Mayor Restituto Calonge of Mabuhay, Zamboanga Sibugay and a companion were shot dead by an unidentified assailant on Friday afternoon, according to a report by dzBB Super Radyo.

Police authorities have launched a manhunt operation against the killer, Police Lieutenant Marlyn Galvez of the province's information office said.

Based on initial investigation, Calonge was conversing with two men identified as Edgar Pampanga and Abduhari Gapor near the municipal hall in Poblacion when they were approached by the suspect at around 3 p.m.

Calonge and Pampanga sustained several gunshot wounds leading to their death.

Meanwhile, Gapor was rushed to a hospital for medical attention.

Authorities believe that the victims were shot using a caliber .45 pistol based on the cartridges found at the crime scene.

The suspect then fled aboard a motorcycle that was described as a black Honda XRM125.—Joahna Lei Casilao/LDF, GMA News