An ambush on Pidigan mayoral candidate’s convoy in Pilar, Abra, resulted in two fatalities and one injury after unidentified gunmen opened fire on the group.
According to Abra Police Provincial Office PCADU Chief Pltcol Daniel Pel-ey, the victims were identified as Froilan Bisares Bueno, a barangay captain from Quillat, Langiden, Abra, and his driver, Kevin Bisares Bueno.
Froilan Bueno sustained a gunshot wound to the stomach and died while receiving medical treatment, while Kevin Bueno died on the spot from a gunshot wound to the head.
The lone survivor, Sonny Bisares Bueno, suffered a gunshot wound to his right leg and is currently recovering at a hospital in Bangued.
The mayoral candidate, Artemio “Billy Boy” Donato Jr., escaped unharmed.
Police reports indicate that the convoy, consisting of 11 vehicles, was traveling from Poblacion, Pilar, Abra, to Villaviciosa when the attack occurred.
Initial investigations suggest that at least three gunmen positioned themselves 20 meters away from the road in an elevated area.
Authorities found no signs of an exchange of gunfire between the convoy and the assailants.
A joint team from the Regional and Provincial Investigating Unit has launched Special Investigation Task Group “Bueno” to identify the gunmen.
Investigators are also examining whether the ambush was politically motivated.
This marks the first recorded ambush in Pilar, which is classified under the “orange category” for election-related violence.
The Abra Police Provincial Office, along with special forces from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion and the Philippine Army, has deployed additional security personnel to ensure peace in the province.
Local police stations have been mandated to provide security for the families of the victims.
Authorities urge the public or anyone with information about the incident to come forward and coordinate with the Abra Police Provincial Office to aid in resolving the case.