Manila barangay chief hurt in ambush

MANILA, Philippines - A barangay chairman was wounded in an ambush in Manila on Wednesday night, and investigators are looking into his connection to the killing of a retired Philippine Marine official the previous day.

Barangay 649, Zone 88 chairman Kristo Hispano, 37, was attacked after attending the awarding of barangay officials for the 446th Araw ng Maynila celebration at the Manila Hotel.

He was driving his Toyota Fortuner when he was shot by four men on two motorcycles at the corner of Roxas Boulevard and Quirino Avenue at around 9:45 p.m.

Hispano, who is on his last term, sustained five gunshot wounds on his shoulder but managed to drive to the Pasay police community precinct beside the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

The police officers rushed him to the San Juan de Dios Hospital but he was later transferred to the Ospital ng Maynila, where he is under tight security.

Police Officers 1 Anthony Abobo and Napjoh Velasco, of the National Capital Region Police Office-Regional Public Safety Battalion, said they were patrolling the Baywalk area when they saw the assailants firing their guns at the victim before speeding towards Pasay City.

Revenge?

On Tuesday, retired Master Sergeant Jugie Omandac and his wife were in their Mitsubishi Pajero (OMA-999) on the eastbound lane of Bonifacio Drive in Intramuros when two men on a motorcycle ambushed them at around 2:45 p.m.

Omandac, a resident of Baseco Compound, was rushed to the Manila Medical Center but he died while being treated. His wife is unhurt.

Omandac was reportedly slated to run as barangay chairman against Hispano’s political ally in Baseco Compound in the upcoming barangay elections, according to them.

“Our police probers are considering that angle. We are investigating the incident carefully,” said Manila Police District Station 9 commander Superintendent Rogelio Ramos.