Four dead, four wounded in Ilocos Sur shooting incident


CAMP PRESIDENT QUIRINO, Ilocos Sur -- Four people who were reportedly supporters of two mayoral candidates died while four others were wounded in a shooting incident on Saturday morning in Barangay Labut, Magsingal, Ilocos Sur.

Police Executive Master Sergeant Archie C. Anipot, the duty investigator of Magsingal town police station, confirmed the shooting incident happened at about 7:00 a.m.

Police identified the dead as Recto Bacdayan Bagani, 65, a resident of Ayyeng Manabo, Abra, and an alleged supporter of incumbent Magsingal Mayor Victoria Ina Favis; Lerry Pol Harmon Torda, 41, a resident of Maratudo, Magsingal, Ilocos Sur and an alleged supporter of opposition mayoral candidate Lorry Salvador.

The two others who died in the incident were Jovito Tomaneng, a retired Philippine Army scout ranger, and Alias William Bolilit from Carasi, Ilocos Norte.

The wounded persons were identified as Albert "Abet" Banez a.k.a. Tyson, 39, from San Ramon, Magsingal; and Romnick Villanueva, 25, of Patong, Magsingal. Both are alleged supporters of incumbent Mayor Favis.

The two other wounded were Teofilo Urno Taasin, 39, a resident of Maratudo, Magsingal and driver of vice mayoral candidate Larry Ceria; and Kenneth Salvador Seatriz, 40, the manager of Blu J's gasoline station. Both are alleged supporters of opposition mayoral candidate Lorry Salvador Jr.

All wounded are now confined in the hospital. The police are still investigating the incident.