By Teddy Molina
LAOAG CITY — Ilocos Norte officials, who were hurt in an ambush on Dec. 28, 2009 in Dingras, Ilocos Norte, requested from the Commission on Election additional security escorts to ensure their safety in the forthcoming May 10, 2010 polls.
Provincial Board Member Robert Castro told local newsmen his family was shocked and continues to live in fear over the death threats he has been receiving.
Castro and Dingras mayoralty bet Barangay Chairman Joeffrey Ponce Saguid were in a convoy on their way from a Christmas program in Barangay Bagut, Dingras town, when they were blocked and fired upon by unidentified suspects in Barangay San Estaban.
Councilor candidate Joen Caniete-Diego was killed and six others identified as SPO1 Cesar Sabado and Joel Rosqueta, security escort and driver of Castro, respectively; Sangguniang Bayan Member Jose Mari Genaro Albano; PO1 Joel Natividad; Gaudencio Teodoro; and one Fernando Sebastian were wounded during the attack.
Earlier, an arrested suspected hired killers identified as Isaac G. Casay, alias “Bigso,” 39, a resident of Barangay Sto. Niño, Nueva Era, Ilocos Norte, disclosed that five ranking officials in Ilocos Norte to that include Castro, Governor Michael Keon and three other personalities from Dingras are the target of hired killers operating in the province.
Meanwhile, Ilocos Norte Provincial Prosecutor Melecio Felipe confirmed the ongoing preliminary investigation in connection with the ambush.
At least eight persons, including Dingras town Mayor Marineth Gamboa, are respondents in the case. Other respondents are Roger Gamboa, ABC President Leandro Nacnac, retired policeman Lolito Nacnac, Jonathan Bagamaspad, Irineo Baptista, Johnny Villanueva, and one Albert Balbas.
Earlier, Dingras Mayor Gamboa condemned the ambush and vehemently denied involvement in the incident.
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