TACLOBAN CITY -- Two persons were killed and two others were wounded after they were ambushed in the vicinity of Barangay Caugbusan, Gandara, Samar, on Thursday, August 17.
The fatalities were identified as Sammy Jumadiao, 37, farmer, and Rolando Casaljay, 35, motorboat operator, residents of Barangay Caugbusan, more or less 20 kilometers from the Gandara town proper via land and river.
Authorities identified the wounded as Marvin Taduyo, 29, farmer, and Teresito Picson, 58, who is reportedly running for chairman in Barangay Caugbusan in the barangay elections in October.
Investigation said the victims were onboard three motorboats and were about to dock in Barangay Caugbusan when the gunmen positioned on the uphill side of the river opened fire at them.
One of the passengers saw one of the gunmen coming down to the sandy portion of the river and struck Casaljay who was trying to escape with his long firearm.
The gunmen fled on foot towards the mountainous part of the barangay.
Police have launched a pursuit operation for the possible identification and arrest of the suspects.