Ambush kills Iloilo mayor’s husband

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – The husband of Lemery, Iloilo re-electionist mayor Ligaya Apura was ambushed and killed Monday morning, May 6.

Jun Apura, along with two other victims, were ambushed by armed men in the town of Lemery, suffering multiple gunshot wounds in the process. The victims were taken to Sara District Hospital, where Apura, as well as one of the unnamed victims, was pronounced dead on arrival.

Inspector Asension Ortizo, Lemery police chief, said Jun and his companions were on board an Isuzu Trooper along the national highway, on their way to San Rafael, town when the suspects opened fire.

The unidentified suspects were on board a Ford Everest and a silver Toyota Hi-Lux, he said.

The victims were rushed to the Sara District Hospital but Jun and a certain Espaldon died while undergoing treatment. A still wounded victim has yet to be identified.

Police recovered several empty shells from an M16 rifle and M14 rifle.

Policemen conducting follow-up operations arrested a certain Mario Cobarrubias, who was seen hiding in a nearby sugarcane plantation after the attack.

Mayor Ligaya is seeking re-election under the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA).

While investigators are checking to see if the attack was politically motivated, Lemuel Fernandez, UNA campaign manager in Iloilo, believes politics caused the killing.

Fernandez told the Inquirer that Mayor Apura, who is under the UNA banner, sought help from party officials due to security concerns. Fernandez added, “She was afraid of the safety of her family from goons.” – Rappler.com