MANILA, Philippines - A nephew of former Maguindanao Gov Andal Ampatuan Sr, who is facing murder charges in relation to the gruesome massacre in the province in 2009, was shot dead in Maguindanao on Friday, November 2, according to an ANC (ABS-CBN News Channel) report.

The victim, Norton Ampatuan, son of of Shariff Aguak mayoralty candidate, Sarip Ampatuan, was reportedly shot in the chest outside a karaoke joint in Barangay Kauran Friday afternoon.

He was with a friend named Johail Unting, who also suffered from gunshot wounds.

Ampatuan Chief of Police Insp. Zulkarnain Qunakon is looking at the angle that the victim and the suspect may have had prior disagreements.

"Tinulak siya palabas, 'yon na tumakbo siya at nagkahabulan na bago siya binaril. Baka may dating alitan na 'yon sila (He was pushed out, then he ran and there was a chase before he was shot. Maybe they had a disagreement in the past)," he said.

The owner of the karaoke bar, Myrna Rano, claimed there were no heated verbal exchanges between both parties before the incident occurred.

Investigations are ongoing and police have yet to identify the suspects. - Rappler.com