AN ELECTED government official has escaped unscathed in an ambush in the province of Zamboanga del Sur, the police reported Monday, May 7.

Chief Inspector Helen Galvez, Police Regional Office-Zamboanga Peninsula information officer, identified the would-be victim as Councilor Evrin Dres, 37, of Dimataling, Zamboanga del Sur.

Galvez said the ambush occurred around 2:30 p.m. Sunday, May 6, in the village of Codilog, Dimataling.

Investigation showed that Dres was driving his vehicle from the village of Poblacion en route to his rice mill in Kagawasan when ambushed by unidentified gunmen.

Galvez said Dres drove fast and escaped unharmed upon sensing it is an ambush.

She said Dres is the chairperson of the Municipal Council's Committees on Peace and Order and Anti-Drugs.

Investigation continues to establish the motive and unmask the persons behind the incident, Galvez added. (Bong Garcia/SunStar Philippines)