Misamis Occidental municipal mayoral candidate hurt in shooting incident

A mayoral candidate in Calamba, Misamis Occidental was injured following a shooting incident in Barangay Southwestern Poblacion over the weekend, the Police Regional Office 10 said Monday.

Based on a police report, around 9:20 a.m. Sunday, independent mayoral candidate George Matunog Jr. was walking with his security escort back to his home from a convenience store when fired upon by an unknown gunman aboard a motorcycle. 

The bullet hit the nape of Matunog and exited from his right cheek, the police said.

“Victim was immediately brought by the Quick Response Team (QRT) of Calamba MPS who was dispatched earlier at the area to the Calamba District Hospital for immediate medical treatment,” the police said.

The Calamba Municipal Police Station conducted a hot pursuit operation against the fleeing suspects.

Matunog is in stable condition, the police said.

As of Monday, the Philippine National Police said a total of 1,802 persons have been arrested for violating the election gun ban. Authorities have confiscated a total of 1,392 firearms, 7,699, and 657 deadly weapons.

Under Resolution 10728, the Commission on Elections prohibits the bearing, carrying, or transporting of firearms or deadly weapons outside the residence and in all public places from January 9 to June 8. — Joviland Rita/RSJ GMA News