Policemen in the Muslim autonomous region in southern Philippines are deployed to help ensure clean and peaceful elections on May 14, 2007. (Mindanao Examiner Photo Service/Mark Navales)
COTABATO CITY (Mindanao Examiner / 12 May) - Two people were killed and five others injured in firefight between policemen and gunmen in the southern Philippine province of Maguindanao, military and police reports said.
Gunmen attacked the car of Mayor Salaban Diocolano, of Kabuntalan town, killing one man. The attack also injured three policemen, a civilian and the politician near the village of Tabiran.
One of the attackers was also killed in ensuing firefight, police said.
No group claimed responsibility for the attack, but authorities suspect it was politically motivated. Diocolano is running for re-election.
Police said more than 100 people had been in poll-related violence across the Philippines.
Some 45 milllion Filipinos are to elect their senators, congressmen and local officials in Monday’s national and local polls.
Elections are traditionally violent and bloody in the Philippines because many politicians maintain private armies and goons.
Aside from these private armed groups, communist insurgents and rebels are also actively operating in the countryside and have been reported collecting “protection” money from politicians. (With reports from Mark Navales and Juan Magtanggol)
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