Bohol gov survives slay try

TAGBILARAN CITY — Bohol Gov. Erico Aumentado cheated death when two unidentified men fired at his vehicle while he was on his way home for lunch yesterday.

"God protected me," he said. The back of Aumentado’s Pajero, including the spare tire, bore seven bullet holes.

The governor was with three security aides who fired back at the attackers while the driver drove away from the ambush scene near Plaza Rizal, some 100 meters from the city police headquarters.

Aumentado said he was saved by his decision to order his driver, Tommy Dabalos, to turn left to buy newspapers at a store across Plaza Rizal.

"The (gunmen) could have presumed that we would go straight on Carlos P. Garcia Avenue, but our sudden turn to the left could have surprised them, thus they missed me," he said.

Police said witnesses saw the two gunmen positioned at the corner of CPG Avenue and Torralba street, one in front of the Union Bank branch and the other across the old provincial library.

City police chief Edgardo Ingking said investigators found empty shells presumably from 9-mm. pistols.

"We will wait for the (results of the) police investigation," he said when asked about the possible motives behind the ambush.

Aumentado said he has not received any death threats.

He is seeking re-election with Vice Gov. Julius Herrera as running mate. Former governor Rene Relampagos, who lost in the 2001 elections, is challenging him.