Winning provincial board candidate shot dead in S. Philippine

Unidentified gunmen shot to death an independent candidate, who was "winning" a seat in the Sultan Kudarat provincial board, and his son Wednesday afternoon in southern Philippines, local police said.

Peter Peralta, who was among those leading the race for five slots in the province's second district, died on the spot while his son Feljavar was declared dead on arrival by doctors at a local hospital, Police Regional Office in Central Mindanao Acting Director Chief Felicisimo Khu said in a phone interview.

The incident occurred around 1:30 p.m. in Isulan town.

"He (Peralta) was aboard his CRV vehicle together with his son who was driving when they were fired upon by at least three armed men while entering the provincial capital for the canvassing," Khu said.

The younger Peralta drove the vehicle out of the city compound to escape but the motorcycle-riding assailants still followed them and fired.

Peraltas' vehicle sustained at least 12 bullet holes.

Source:Xinhua