Injured	Killed
0	2

Date: 01 February 2010
Source: http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/news/regions/10668-two-town-officials-shot-dead-in-mindanao

BY AL JACINTO Correspondent

COTABATO City: Two town councilors were shot dead in an ambush in southern Philippines, police said Sunday, adding the violence could be linked to May national elections.

Corazon Florida and Dindo Ligawan were killed by 10 armed men in the restive island of Mindanao on Saturday, said regional police director Chief Supt. Jake Cataluna.

The ambush came as the two local councilors were inspecting a palm oil plantation in President Quirino town, where they were business partners.

Regional police spokesman Chief Insp. Jomar Yap said that the attack could be related to the upcoming elections, with the two councilors planning to run for reelection as part of President Gloria Arroyo’s ruling Lakas-Kampi Christian Muslim Democrats.

But police also stressed that they were looking at other possible motives.

Elections in the Philippines have often been marred by violence with some politicians using “private armies” to intimidate rivals and voters.

On November 23, 2009, 57 people were massacred in the province of Maguindanao, which is next to President Quirino town.