Maguindanao board member aspirant, grandson shot dead in NoCot

KIDAPAWAN CITY -- A candidate for Maguindanao provincial board member and her grandson were killed in a shooting incident at the public market of Kabacan, North Cotabato on Sunday, police said.

Supt. Aldrin Gonzales, speaking for police in Region 12, said the Kabacan police has launched a manhunt against the gunmen who shot Bai Susan Montawal, an aspirant for Maguindanao provincial board in the 2019 election, and Datu Harris Montawal, her grandson.

Citing police report from Kabacan municipal police office, Gonzales said Susan was the wife of former Montawal Vice Mayor Bao Montawal while Harris was the former vice mayor’s grandson.

Gonzales said the Montawals were rushed to the hospital following the 4 p.m. shooting but were declared dead on arrival at the Kabacan Medical Specialist Hospital.

Two bystanders were hit by stray bullets and are now recuperating at another hospital, he added.

Supt. Bernard Tayong, speaking for the police in North Cotabato, said the two civilians, identified as Toten Ebrahim, 61, a jeepney barker and Sol Luneta, 42, a teacher, are now out of danger.

Tayong said the Montawals were walking back to their vehicle when shot by the two suspects.

“The suspects used .45-caliber pistols in the shooting based on recovered empty shells at the crime scene,” he said.

Tayong said the incident could have been linked to a personal grudge rather than politics as most of election-related activities -- such as campaigning -- are yet to take place. (PNA)