Two dead in Surigao del Norte shooting incident

MANILA, Philippines — Two political leaders were shot dead while riding a motorcycle in Surigao del Norte on Saturday night, police authorities said Sunday.

In a report from San Benito Police, both victims were political allies of San Benito mayor Rushford Dedumo and were on board a motorcycle travelling from Barangay (village) Bongdo in Surigao del Norte when they were shot by still unidentified suspects around 10:30 p.m.

One of the victims, Nicomedis Rivas, was a former supporter of the opposing party before he became a leader within Dedumo’s political party.

Aside from the two victims, a police officer identified as Staff Sergeant Dan Dumanjog also sustained injuries due to the incident.

Initial investigation showed that the victims were shot using a caliber .45 and a 9 mm caliber pistol.

Recovered from the crime scene were a caliber .38 firearm and 14 empty shells of an unspecified firearm.

Authorities are still investigating if the suspects were escorts or supporters of the opposing party. /je