By Martin Sadongdong and Niño LucesÂ
The incumbent mayor of Garchitorena, Camarines Sur, along with his wife and two companions, survived an ambush in their own town before dawn Monday.
Police said Garchitorena Mayor Nelson Bueza, his wife Yolly, running mate Marcelo Aragdon and his driver Errol Arcilla were all unharmed when unidentified gunmen riddled their sports utility vehicle (SUV) with bullets.
Police Colonel Roderico Roy Jr., chief of Camarines Sur provincial police, said Bueza and his companions had just attended a meeting in nearby Tigaon town, and were traversing Fuentebella Highway while on their way home when the incident happened.
A spot report said an improvised explosive device (IED) suddenly went off along the road while the victims were traversing Fuentebella Highway in Barangay Toytoy around 1:25 a.m.
The motorcycle-riding suspects then opened fire at the victims, hitting the front and left side portion of their car, police added.
However, police said Arcilla had the presence of mind to drive away from the scene and steer the vehicle to a safe location. The victims then reported the incident to authorities.
Police Colonel Bernard Banac, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson, said an investigation has already been conducted to determine the motive behind the incident, including if it was election-related.
"The PNP is already conducting investigation to determine possible suspects and motive," Banac said.
At least 95 spent shells and a number of explosives that did not explode were recovered at the scene, the police noted.
Roy said that the suspected IED used in the ambush contained components from explosives used in illegal fishing.
Police also confirmed that the Garchitorena town has been included in the list of election hotspots in Camarines Sur.
Bueza is seeking reelection in the upcoming May 13 midterm elections while Aragdon is challenging the incumbent vice mayor of Garchitorena.