Election officer shot dead in Zambo del Norte; Comelec vows justice

An election officer was shot dead in Barangay Lapu-Lapu in Piñan, Zamboanga del Norte, on Thursday evening, police said Friday.

According to the spot report, the victim was identified as Engr. Maricel Adritico Peralta, 45 years old.

Peralta and Maritess Inding, 52, an assistant election officer, were on their way home aboard a vehicle when the perpetrators riding a motorcycle fired at them from the back at the Lapu-Lapu Bridge.

The perpetrators targeted the driver’s seat portion of the vehicle, hitting Peralta, police said. She died on spot while Inding was unharmed.

The suspects drove away toward Piñan, the police said.

Recovered from the crime scene was a piece of fired cartridge case of caliber 9mm.

A follow up investigation is ongoing to determine the motive of the incident and arrest the perpetrators.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec), meanwhile, denounced the killing and vowed to seek justice for Peralta's family.

"The Comelec condemns the brutal slaying of Engineer Maricel Peralta, election officer of Mutia, Zamboanga del Norte," acting Comelec chairperson Socorro Inting said in a statement.

"We are already in communication with the PNP and we assure the public -- and Maricel's loved ones -- that the Comelec will not rest until justice is served. We will release updates as they become available," she added. —Joviland Rita and Hana Bordey/AOL/KBK, GMA News