A barangay captain and a Sangguniang Bayan candidate were killed in a shooting incident during a campaign rally in Barangay Nagtupacan, Lagangilang, Abra around 7 p.m. on Monday.
According to initial police investigation, the violence began when Barangay Kagawad Rommel Apolinar, an ally of the rival Team Progreso, was spotted near a campaign event organized by Team Asenso.
Sangguniang Bayan candidate Manzano Bersalona, reportedly affiliated with Team Asenso, approached and punched Apolinar.
Apolinar then reported the incident to Barangay Captain Lou Salvador Claro, who is aligned with Team Progreso.
Captain Claro arrived at the campaign venue in an attempt to defuse the situation, but Bersalona allegedly punched Apolinar again, prompting Apolinar to retaliate.
The confrontation escalated when Bersalona allegedly pushed and then shot Claro multiple times.
An unidentified gunman reportedly returned fire, shooting Bersalona.
Both Claro and Bersalona were declared dead on arrival at a nearby hospital.
The deadly incident occurred amid rising tensions between political groups Team Asenso, led by suspended Governor Dominic Valera, and Team Progreso, backed by La Paz Mayor JB Bernos and former Governor Eustaquio Bersamin, who is running again for provincial leadership.
Authorities have launched a full investigation to identify all suspects and determine the motive behind the shooting.