Radioman survives slay try

BAGUIO CITY — An Abra broadcaster is in critical condition after gunmen aboard a white vehicle attacked him in the capital town of Bangued last Wednesday night.

The slay attempt on Lito Bigornia, of radio station dzBA and chairman of the Asosasyon ng mga Barangay Captain, was the second violent incident in Bangued that day and the fourth since Monday.

Bigornia, who sustained five gunshot wounds, is the brother of Jowel Bigornia, the vice mayoral running mate of re-electionist Bangued Mayor Ma. Cita Claustro-Valera.

Thirty-five minutes earlier, at about 7:15 p.m., another resident, Simeon Brioso, was gunned down in Barangay Patukannay.

Last Monday, two other killings jolted Bangued town. Oscar Formoso, 42, a campaigner of opposition mayoral bet Dominic Valera, was shot dead in front of the St. James Hospital in Barangay Cabuluan.

Several hours later, Ricardo Bersaluna, 65, a political leader of Mayor Valera, was also gunned down.

The spate of violence has prompted Abra Rep. Luis Chito Bersamin to urge the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to place the entire province under its control.

Comelec-Cordillera director Armando Velasco earlier recommended only five Abra towns be placed under the poll body’s control.