Ex-barangay chief hurt in Malabon ambush

MANILA, Philippines - Police are looking into politics as possible motive behind the ambush of a former barangay chairman in Malabon City yesterday morning.

Antonio Criss Jr., 57, a three-termer chairman of Barangay Tonsuya, was wounded in an ambush staged by motorcycle-riding men at 9:20 a.m., police said.

Criss, a businessman, and his driver Reynaldo Jumaoas were riding an Isuzu Crosswind along Sanciangco street in Barangay Catmon when the suspects pulled over and opened fire.

The former barangay chairman suffered gunshot wounds in the neck and shoulder, police said.

Jumaoas rushed Criss to the MCU Hospital for treatment.

A source told The STAR that the victim had filed an election protest against an incumbent local official implicated in several killings in the area.