Mayor’s aide shot dead; gunmen killed, arrested

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines –  A security escort of a town mayor in Zamboanga del Norte was gunned down by motorcycle-riding men in La Libertad town on Monday.

Responding police officers shot dead one of the assailants who killed Joel Jimenez, 35, aide of Mayor Romeo Mejias, and arrested the other.

Chief Inspector Rogelio Alabata, spokesman for Police Regional Office 9, said the victim was buying motorcycle parts when he was killed.

The suspects fled after the killing, but pursuing police officers engaged them in a shootout in Barangay New Dapitan.

The slain suspect, identified as Corseno Mal-ang, reportedly took hostage a minor to prevent lawmen from arresting him.

Mal-ang’s companion, Joey Fernandez, was taken to the police station for interrogation.

Police have yet to determine if Jimenez’s killing was related to politics.