By Edwin Fernandez | Philippine News Agency
Police are investigating the shooting of a gubernatorial candidate in General Santos City and the ambush slaying of a Commission on Elections (Comelec) officer in Sultan Kudarat, with authorities pursuing leads in both cases.
Capt. Miguel Angelo Quidilla, police commander of General Santos City Police Station 4, on Monday said investigators have identified “persons of interest” in the attack on Gladden Lim, 48, shot inside the Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) Church compound along Dacera Avenue at 6:30 p.m. Saturday.
“The lone suspect fled the scene on a motorbike. Police have secured CCTV footage and witness accounts to expedite the investigation,” Quidilla said.
Lim is in critical condition after sustaining two gunshot wounds in abdomen and body from a caliber.45 pistol, according to Col. Nicomedes Olaivar, Gen. Santos City police director.
Lim, an independent candidate for governor in Sarangani province, sustained two gunshot wounds in the abdomen and body from a.45-caliber pistol. He was attacked as he prepared to leave the church compound after attending services.
“We are pursuing several angles, including election-related motives, personal grudges, and land disputes,” Quidilla added.
Lim, a member of the SDA board of directors, is challenging reelectionist Governor Rogelio Pacquiao of Partido Federal ng Pilipinas and Mohammad Acquia of PDP-Laban for the Sarangani gubernatorial post.
Pastor Elmer Romano, director of SDA Public Affairs and Legal Relations, condemned the attack on Lim, urging authorities to apprehend the assailant and ensure justice.
Comelec officer ambush-slay
In a separate incident, authorities in Sultan Kudarat are investigating the ambush and killing of assistant election officer Janeco Allan Pandoy in President Quirino town on Saturday night.
Pandoy was driving home on board his motorbike along the national highway in Barangay Poblacion when two men on another motorbike shot him in the head, according to Capt. Jomari Cua, chief of the President Quirino police.
Civilians rushed Pandoy to a nearby hospital, but he was declared dead on arrival.
Comelec Isulan election officer Romie Gallo condemned the killing and called for the swift identification and prosecution of those responsible.
Investigators are looking into whether the attack was work-related or connected to personal issues.
