3 injured in Davao City violence ahead of barangay polls

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – At least 3 people were injured in a Davao City village Saturday evening, May 12, in a violent squabble that involved a shooting incident two days before the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections. 

Senior Inspector Maria Teresita Gaspan, spokesperson of the Davao City police, said a heated “altercation” triggered a fistfight between supporters of rival candidates for barangay captain. Local media said the supporters were taunting each other.

One group belonged to the camp of incumbent village chief Alemudin “Wating” Usman, while the other was from the side of Amilbangsa Manding, the contender who called out Usman on Facebook.

Among the injured residents was lcon Ebrahim, 48, who according to the police passed by Purok 4 Zunta Isla Verde, Barangay 23-C, when he sustained a gunshot wound on his right hand.

Alibaser Cabuntalan, 34, was also wounded after a bullet hit his left foot, according to Gaspan.

Meanwhile, Abdul Asis, 29, was stabbed in his back on the same night.

“Fortunately, all victims were declared in stable condition by their respective physician in their respective hospitals,” Gaspan said in an advisory.

Located in the city’s downtown area, their barangay is being closely watched by authorites ahead of the village polls on Monday, May 14. More than 16,000 people live in the village, according to a 2015 census. (WATCH: Rappler Talk: How Filipinos can win the barangay, SK elections 2018)

Its covered court, the venue for the barangay polls, was recently used as temporary shelter for people evicted from a neighboring village after a demolition this month. – Rappler.com