The Philippine National Police (PNP) is looking into the possible involvement of an armed group in the recent shooting of Datu Piang, Maguindanao del Sur Vice Mayor Datu Omar Samama.
According to PNP public information office acting chief Police Colonel Randulf Tuaño, authorities suspect a sniper was behind the attack, which occurred while Samama was delivering a speech in Barangay Magaslong on Monday morning. The gunman reportedly fired from a concealed position outside the crowd.
The vice mayor, who sustained an abdominal gunshot wound, is currently in stable condition and recuperating in the hospital. Investigators are still determining whether the attack was politically motivated, as Samama is seeking reelection in the upcoming May 2025 elections.
Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman George Garcia condemned the incident, emphasizing that violence should have no place in a civilized society.
Authorities continue to probe the case as tensions rise ahead of the 2025 elections.