CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna , Philippines – Three days before the start of the local campaign period yesterday, an incumbent vice mayor in Quezon was shot and seriously wounded along the diversion road in Lucena City, authorities said.
Vice Mayor Apolinar Roperez Martinez, 57, of Pagbilao town was hit in the lower right abdomen.
Martinez, who is seeking the mayoral post, was brought to the Mount Carmel Hospital.
Investigation showed that Martinez was cruising the diversion road on board his Toyota Revo toward Pagbilao town, when he decided to stop in Barangay Silangan Mayao in Lucena City to urinate.
It was then when a lone gunman fired at Martinez. Although wounded, he managed to escape and sought help from the police community precinct in Barangay Gulang-gulang.
The gunman fled as policemen rushed to the crime scene.
Chief Superintendent Rolando Añonuevo, Calabarzon police director, said they are investigating if the slay attempt on Martinez was election-related. – Ed Amoroso