MANILA (Updated) -- Balaoan, La Union Vice Mayor Alfred Concepcion was killed, while his daughter, Balaoan Mayor Aleli Concepcion, was wounded in an ambush incident on Wednesday morning, November 14.
Ilocos Police Director Romulo Sapitula said the vice mayor and their driver, identified as Michael Ulep, were declared dead upon arrival at the Balaoan District Hospital.
Aleli is still being treated at the Lorma Hospital.
Sapitula said that based on initial information, the Concepcions were on their way to the municipal hall around 8:10 a.m. when unidentified gunmen onboard a sports utility vehicle fired shots at the victims in Barangay Cabuaan.
Also wounded in the incident were security aides Roderick Urpiano, Ronniel Valdez, Joey Lope, Dominador Bautista and Roberto Octavo.
Sapitula said he ordered the creation of a special investigation task force to be led by the La Union provincial director. The group was tasked to conduct an in-depth investigation on the incident.
Malacañang, meanwhile, assured that the government will seek justice for the victims.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement that Malacañang extended its sympathies and condolences to the families of Ulep and Vice Mayor Concepcion.
"The Palace strongly denounces the recent ambush against Balaoan, La Union Mayor Aleli Concepcion and her father, Vice Mayor Alfred Concepcion...We also express our heartfelt condolences to the grieving families and friends of the late Vice Mayor Alfred Concepcion and his aide, Mr. Michael Ulep," said Panelo.
He said the Palace was hopeful that the Balaoan mayor and other victims were in safe condition.
"We likewise pray for the speedy recovery of Mayor Aleli Concepcion and the victims who were critically wounded during this atrocity," he said.
Panelo said the Philippine National Police had already been directed to conduct an investigation on the incident.
"We pursue and prosecute the persons behind these brazen murders and bring them to justice," he said. (SunStar Philippines)