
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is ready to assist in the probe of the Dec. 22 shooting incident in Misamis Occidental where one of the two candidates injured has been in critical condition.
Justice Secretary Menardo I. Guevarra on Thursday, Dec. 23, said: “We’ll let the PNP (Philippine National Police) do the initial investigation but I’ll ask the nearest NBI field agents to stand by and extend assistance if requested.”
Police reports stated that the incident happened during a Christmas party Wednesday night in Tangub City held by the group of House Deputy Speaker Henry Oaminal and members of the political parties PDP-Laban and Asenso Ozamis.
The reports stated that an unidentified sniper fired shots and injured Lopez Jaena town Mayor Michael Gutierrez who is running for vice governor and congressional aspirant Jason Almonte.
Gutierrez was hit in the temple with the bullet exiting the nape. He has remained unconscious and in critical condition following an operation at the hospital.
Almonte, on the other hand, was injured on the nape after he was hit by a bullet splinter.