A village councilor in Zamboanga Sibugay was shot dead in a daylight ambush, renewing fears over political violence in Mindanao. (Contributed Photo)
IMELDA, Zamboanga Sibugay — A village councilor was shot and killed in broad daylight on Monday after two gunmen riding a motorcycle ambushed him along a national highway in this southern Philippine town, according to police and eyewitnesses.
The victim, Edison Magdamit, an incumbent councilor of Barangay Gandiangan, was traveling alone on his motorcycle through Barangay San Jose shortly after morning hours when he was tailed by two men riding tandem on another motorcycle, residents said.
Witnesses told investigators that the back rider suddenly drew a firearm and fired repeatedly at Magdamit, striking him in critical parts of the body. The attack unfolded in seconds along a busy stretch of highway, sending nearby residents and motorists scrambling for safety.
Magdamit died at the scene before emergency responders could arrive. The assailants sped away immediately after the shooting, disappearing toward an unknown direction, police officials said.
Authorities sealed off the area and launched a hot pursuit operation as investigators gathered shell casings and reviewed possible surveillance footage from nearby establishments. Police said they were pursuing several angles, including personal grudges and political motives, though no official motive had been established as of Monday afternoon.
The killing has renewed concerns over persistent gun violence and politically linked attacks in parts of Mindanao, where local officials and community leaders have long faced security threats, particularly during politically charged periods.
Residents in Imelda described the attack as brazen, saying the gunmen appeared to have carefully tracked the councilor’s route before ambushing him in broad daylight.
Police officials urged anyone with information to cooperate with investigators as the manhunt continued Monday evening. (with reports by Ely Dumaboc)
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