Cagayan candidates' allies survive ambush

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya  , Philippines – At least five followers of the Mamba political family in Cagayan cheated death in an ambush by armed suspects in that northern Cagayan Valley province Sunday.

The ambush survivors were identified as Michael Antonio, Robin Carag, Manuel Tangla, Zaldy Carag, and Estanislao Carag, all reportedly identified with the camp of Rep. Manuel Mamba and his brother Mayor William Mamba of Tuao town, where the incident took place, particularly in Barangay Bangag on the eve of the election.

Mamba is now running for Cagayan governor under the Liberal Party while his brother is seeking re-election for Tuao’s mayoralty post.  

Reports said the ambulance where the Mamba supporters were riding in was shot by armed men reportedly with M16 rifles, which caused injuries, including gunshot wounds to those onboard.