Ambushed Misamis mayor dies in hospital

MANILA, Philippines — The mayor of Lopez Jaena town in Misamis Occidental, who was shot during a Christmas party last week, has died in a hospital.

The death of Mayor Michael Gutierrez was announced by his daughter Andrea in a post on Facebook yesterday.

“You could have been one of the best vice governor that Misamis Occidental never had. You will always be our vice governor, Pa. Rest in Peace, I love you so much,” Andrea said.

Gutierrez, a vice gubernatorial aspirant, and his companions Misamis Occidental second district Rep. Henry Oaminal and former Oroquieta mayor Jason Almonte were wounded in a sniper attack that occurred during the party in Tangub City.

Probers said the bullet hit the frame of the glass door.

A glass splinter struck and injured Almonte in the neck.

A bullet hit Gutierrez in the head while Oaminal suffered minor bruises in the arm and head.

Oaminal condemned the attack and offered a P5-million bounty for information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects.

“Our sincerest condolences to Mayor Michael’s family and the people of Lopez Jaena. Rest assured, we will work within the rule of law to ensure that the criminals behind his murder will be put to justice,” Oaminal said.

Northern Mindanao police were ordered to form a special investigation task group that would probe the incident.