Rival groups clash in Davao del Norte; 2 hospitalized, 2 arrested

Two people were hospitalized while two others were in police custody after figuring in a gunfight in New Corella, Davao del Norte early morning on Election Day, Monday, the Police Regional Office 11 (PRO 11) said.

"Kanina pong 2:28 a.m. po may nangyari pong armed encounter sa New Corella, Davao del Norte. May apat na lalaki po ang involved dito," PRO 11 spokesperson Police Major Catherine dela Rey said in a press briefing.

(At 2:28 a.m., an armed encounter occurred in New Corella, Davao del Norte. There were four men involved.)

"Dalawa po ang nasa ospital ngayon tapos 'yung dalawa nasa custody ng New Corella Police Station," she added.

(Two are currently in the hospital and the other two are in the custody of the New Corella Police Station.)

Dela Rey said the clash is classified as a suspected election-related incident as those involved are supporters of rival mayoral candidates and one of the hospitalized persons is a sibling of the incumbent mayor.

Recovered from the scene were 28 fired cartridge cases from .45-cal. firearms and seven live ammunition, she added. 

Meanwhile, GMA Regional TV News reported that PRO 11 has recommended placing Barangay Mesaoy as a yellow category election areas of concern following the incident.

Quoting a report by GMA Super Radyo Davao, COMELEC-11 assistant director Atty. Gay Enumerables said that classifying an area under the yellow category indicates that an election-related incident has occurred.

Police earlier said the incident may be election-related as one of the victims was identified as a relative of a candidate in the town. — with reports from Jaycel Villacorte, GMA Super Radyo Davao/ VDV, GMA Integrated News

For more Eleksyon 2025 related content and updates, visit GMA News Online's Eleksyon 2025 microsite.

For more Eleksyon 2025 related content and updates, visit GMA News Online's Eleksyon 2025 microsite.