3 wounded in slay try on Surigao governor

Manila, Philippines -  Surigao del Norte Gov. Sol Matugas was unhurt while his escorts – two policemen and a security guard – were wounded in an ambush during the flag raising ceremony at the provincial capitol compound yesterday morning.

Matugas ordered the local police to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident, which occurred at around 7:45 a.m.

The wounded were identified as PO2 Ronie Febra Golez, 34; PO2 Jerson Camingue Guidulman, 35; and Raymar Quiñonez, 38, a security guard assigned at the Bulwagan ng Katarungan.

Responding lawmen arrested Samuel Lapac, 69, former barangay captain in Barangay Luna, and seized his caliber .45 pistol. Lapac was also wounded in a gunfight with Matugas’ security escorts.

Police said Golez was shot in the chest, right upper arm and neck while Guidulman suffered a gunshot wound in the leg.

Quiñonez was hit in the right shoulder.

The victims were brought to Surigao Medical Center and later transferred to Miranda Family Hospital.

“I was nearing Butuan City when I received a phone call informing me about the incident. I immediately decided to return to Surigao City,” Surigao del Norte Rep. Francisco Tinio Matugas, the governor’s husband, told The STAR.

Matugas is the first female Surigao del Norte governor. She took over the post from her husband, who was governor for three terms. – With Ben Serrano