NORTH COTABATO, Philippines – One person died while two others were hurt when a commando-type jeep owned by a vice-mayoralty candidate was fired upon at the Crossing Rancho national highway in Brgy Wadya, Banisilan, Cotabato.

The jeep, owned by vice-mayoralty candidate Floro Allado, was ambushed by still unidentified suspects at around 11:40 p.m. on Saturday.

PS/Insp. Ramel Hojilla, operations officer of the Provincial Monitoring Action Center, said the supporters of Allado were on their way from campaigning when the ambushed occurred.

One victim, identified as Edwin Sarapse, died at the Maramag Distric Hospital due to gunshot wounds in his stomach.

Two others, identified as Jelgam Dalayon Cordero and Sim Villaruel Maege, sustained injuries and were brought to the Wao District Hospital for medical attention.

Authorities have conducted a pursuit operation for possible apprehension of the suspects.

Allado is a former mayor of Banisilan. He is one of four candidates vying for the vice-mayor position, while two candidates are contesting the mayorship.

Banisilan has 23,196 registered voters.