3 Samar mayoral bet’s supporters killed

TACLOBAN CITY , Philippines — Three supporters of a candidate  for mayor in Sta. Margarita, Samar were killed while another was wounded in an ambush in Barangay Roxas yesterday morning.

The fatalities – identified as Ernesto Doinog, Junjun Debordon and Pedie Debordon – were supporters of retired military colonel Emil Zosa, who is running for mayor of Sta. Margarita in the upcoming May 9 elections.

The victims’ companion, identified as Gerry Deborbon, was taken to a hospital for treatment of gunshot wounds, reports said.

In a post on social media, Zosa expressed sadness over the killing, saying he met one of the victims a few hours before the ambush. He said the victim informed him that some people destroyed his posters.

Police have yet to release an official report about the incident as investigation is ongoing.

A local newspaper reported that there were witnesses who were familiar with the identities of the assailants.

In December, three political supporters of Zosa were also shot dead in nearby Barangay Cagbanayacao.

The victims were dragged out of their houses by the assailants before they were killed.

Zosa, husband of incumbent Mayor Gemma Zosa, is running for mayor under the National Unity Party. His opponent is Felix Panganoron of the Nacionalista Party.

Zosa ran but lost in the gubernatorial race during the 2019 elections.