He was able to jump out in time because the gunman shouted profanities before firing.
Cajes drew out his .45 caliber pistol and fired back at the suspect who fled immediately. Cajes sustained gunshot wound in his hand and foot.
Cajes's drinking buddy, Tata Rosales, was however not as lucky as the barangay official. Rosales died on the spot after being hit by stray bullets.
Cajes immediately sought refuge at the district office of Representative Manuel "Way Kurat" Zamora in Poblacion Monkayo. Cajes is said to be one of Zamora's supporter.
Cajes is now recuperating at a Tagum City hospital while the remains of Rosales was brought to his house in Monkayo.
It was learned that this was the second attempt on Cajes' life, the first was last October 25, 2004 where he was shot in the neck. No suspect was arrested.
Unconfirmed reports reaching Sun.Star showed that the gunman was seen in the company of a local chief executive in the province.
This is the second incident that the said mayor was implicated in a shooting incident. The first was when former barangay councilman Ernesto Fernandez was ambushed in Compostela last September 8.
Fernandez's assailant was said to be one Dioscoro Villarmia who was later slain inside his residence.
Villarmia was said to be close to the said mayor.
Fernandez's family and friends believed that Villarmia was killed by his own comrades to keep him from implicating the mastermind who ordered him to kill Fernandez.
Zamora reportedly demanded for the disbandment of the armed group created by the said mayor. Villarmia is said to be a member of the said armed group.
Zamora said Police Provincial Director Nestor Quinsay had earlier promised him to act on the killings and disband the civilian armed group of the said chief executive.
Records show that there are at least 30 shooting incidents in Monkayo from January to September this year while 16 were recorded in 2005. (BOT)
