LAMITAN CITY, Basilan, (PNA) -– The election in one of the barangays in the municipality of Tipo-Tipo in this province was marred by the killing of a barangay official, who is seeking re-election, the police reported Monday.
Police Provincial Director Senior Supt. Mario Dapillosa said the incident took place around 7 a.m. Monday in Sitio Lebbak, Barangay Bohebaca, Tipo-Tipo municipality.
Bohebaca is one of the 11 barangays in Tipo-Tipo, a third class municipality in this province.
Dapillosa identified the fatality as Hadji Faizal Mohammad, 59, a barangay councilman of Bohelebung, Tipo-Tipo.
Dapillosa said that investigation showed the victim was on his way to cast his vote in Barangay Badja, Tipo-Tipo, when intercepted by an unidentified gunman.
The polling precinct of Bohelebung was transferred to Badja as a result of the clustering of precincts implemented by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for security reasons.
Dapillosa said the suspect pulled a gun and shot Mohammad following a heated argument that resulted in the death of the official.
Meanwhile, a 21-year-old poll watcher identified as Hair Sallani was injured after he was mauled by two persons while he was rendering duty.
Dapillosa said Sallani was mauled around 9 a.m. Monday at a polling center in Barangay Mahawid, Tuburan town.
Dapillosa said the suspects were identified as Omar Latip also known as Omar Kalang and Abdurahman Aklamin, who were at large.
He said Sallani is a watcher of Mahana Kabu, a candidate for barangay chairman in Mahawi, Tuburan.