Police arrest 24 security escorts of 2 rival mayoralty bets in Nueva Ecija
Police have arrested a total of 24 people identified with two rival mayoralty candidates in Nueva Ecija over an alleged shooting incident on Saturday, May 7.
In a statement released on Sunday, May 8, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said five of those arrested were wounded during the shooting that occurred before midnight in Barangay Concepcion in Barangay Tinion town.
It said the shooting was between the security personnel of incumbent Mayor Isidro T Pajarillaga and Mayoral Candidate Virgilio Bote.
"The five wounded persons have been given proper medical attention but remain to be under police custody to face further investigation," the statement read.
Seized from those arrested were five M-16 rifles, a 12-guage shotgun, 15 handguns, and over 200 rounds of assorted live ammunition.
"Investigators are conducting examination of the crime scene where five bullet-riddled sports utility vehicles were recovered," the PNP statement read.
Police are now readying criminal charges for Frustrated Murder, Violation of R.A. 10591 and Violation of Omnibus Election Code (Gun Ban) against the arrested suspects.