PNP says shooting in Sulu possibly election-related

May 13, 2019

Philippine National Police ( PNP) General Oscar Albayalde on Monday said the shooting incident in Sulu is possibly an election-related incident.

In a press briefing, Albayalde said five civilians were wounded due to gunshots caused by unidentified suspects outside a polling precinct in Panglima Estino, Sulu 30 minutes after voting started

“The situation is under control and investigation is ongoing to identify the suspects,” he said.

“It’s highly probable that it’s election-related because it transpired very near the polling center,” said Albayalde.

Authorities are trying to find the suspect behind the incident and where and what were police doing at that time.

With regards to the shooting incident in Lanao del Sur, Albayalde said they have yet to verify the information with their regional director.

Meanwhile, he said three explosions in Cotabato City and Maguindanao has no connection with the elections.

“They are not intended to hurt anybody but has an intention to be noticed” he added.

Two separate explosions occurred in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao at 1:05 am and 7:10 am on Monday as bombs were believed to be thrown by unidentified motorcycle-riding suspects.

On May 12, two improvised explosive devices exploded at a vacant lot located at Purok Omar, Cotabato City around 10 pm.

Police said no one was hurt. Ella Dionisio/DMS