By Benjamin Pulta / Philippine News Agency
Justice Sec. Menardo Guevarra on Thursday (Dec. 23) said the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) may join the probe into the sniper attack that wounded two local bets in the 2022 elections during a Christmas party on Wednesday (Dec. 22) in Tangub City, Misamis Occidental.
“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,” Guevarra told the media.
Lopez Jaena town mayor Michael Gutierrez, who is running for vice governor, was shot in the head while congressional candidate Jason Almonte was hit by a splinter on the nape.
The two were attending a gathering hosted by House Deputy Speaker Henry Oaminal and members of the ruling Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) and Asenso Ozamiz when the shot from afar was heard.
The police have imposed a lockdown on the city.
Gutierrez’s family said he remains in critical condition and unconscious after undergoing medical procedures, while Oaminal, Almonte, and other guests are safe. (PNA) – jlo
