3 supporters of reelectionist Isabela mayor gunned down

Three supporters of a reelectionist municipal mayor in Isabela province in northern Philippines were gunned down Monday night, a provincial police official said Tuesday. Senior Superintendent Jimmy Rivera, Isabela provincial director, identified the victims as Murad Batua Mudar, 46; Froilan Usbar, 46; and Abdani Basher, 14 — all supporters of Palanan Mayor Angelo Bernardo. Wounded in the shooting incident was Jerry dela Peña, 32, who was promptly taken to a local hospital for treatment. Rivera said that about 10 p.m. Monday, two suspects — Ato Salazar and Boysie dela Peña — fired on the group of the victims in the vicinity of Barangay Bisag in Palanan town. At the time of the incident, the victims were with village chieftain Rogelio Bernardo Jr., councilor Marcos Pallermo and six other village watchmen. It was not immediately known if Rogelio Bernardo is related to the incumbent mayor. Authorities are looking for the suspects, who fled immediately after the incident. — RSJ, GMANews.TV