THE incumbent village chief of Malanang, Opol, Misamis Oriental who sought for reelection has turned himself in to the police, early Monday, after being linked to an ambush that killed his challenger's spouse over the weekend.
Malanang barangay chairman Sino Dragon surrendered an hour before the polling centers opened to clear his name and show to people that he has no hand in the killing of Eliezer Zafra.
The 41-year old victim is the husband of Nilda Zafra, who is bidding for the highest seat in the barangay.
Zafra succumbed to a lone gunshot wound on his spine and was rushed to a private hospital in Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro City but did not survive while his companion, Dondon Enriquez also sustained minor injury on his chest.
Initial probe disclosed that the victims, with two others, were onboard a Toyota Hilux vehicle going to a polling center to check the place when they were suddenly fired upon by at least 20 armed men, at 9:40 p.m., Sunday.
An exchange of fire ensued and lasted to about five minutes.
The scene of the crime operatives (Soco) recovered several empty shells of M16 and caliber 45 pistols scattered on the ground; the victims' car and seven single motorcycles.
Police said one of the motorcycles was driven by the advance party of the victim who were allegedly held hostage at the crime site while the rest were owned and abandoned by the suspects after the armed encounter.
Responding policemen immediately arrested two suspects identified as Hermmies Bob Abellanosa, 22; and Arnel Vertudazo, 40; both residents of said village and known staunch supporters of Dragon.
Investigators said witnesses have testified that the suspects were seen in the area, including the sitting barangay captain and another councilman.
Senior Inspector Dennis Flores, chief of Opol town police, said the incident was an election related violence with political rivalry as motive.
Flores said the Zafras’ already received threats that is why the wife stayed at home.
"Political rivalry ang motive and ang suspek is ang incumbent kapitan nga si Dragon. Ang asawa man unta nga kandidato ang target pero kay nakadawat man sila og threats anang buntag maong wala siya modayon og lakaw,"Flores said.
"Giplano gyud ang hitabo ug naka-position gyud daan ang mga suspek sa ngitngit nga lugar,"he added.
The suspects will be tested for gun powder residue and will be charged with murder.