Three killed in attack in southern Philippines

Mar 16, 2007, 7:19 GMT

Cotabato City, Philippines - A Muslim politician, her husband and driver were killed in an attack by unidentified gunmen in the southern Philippines, officials said Friday.

The attack occurred Thursday when the victims stopped for petrol in President Quirino town in Sultan Kudarat province, 960 kilometres south of Manila.

Superintendent Teng Mamalinta Tucao, provincial police commander, said the gunmen opened fire at the victims' vehicle in front of the gasoline station.

The victims were identified as Bai Huda Mangalen Salendab, who planned to run for mayor in Paglat town in nearby Maguindanao province; her husband, Mastur Salendab; and driver Oscar Salendab.

Tucao said the politician died on the spot while her husband and driver expired while on the way to hospital.

'We are still investigating the incident,' he said.

Lieutenant Colonel Julieto Ando, an army spokesman, said the killing could have been perpetrated by Bai Huda Mangalen Salendab's rivals in the mayoral race.

'This is politically motivated,' he said. 'We hope the incident will be resolved soon and there will be no more retaliation.'

Filipinos are to vote for 12 senators, more than 200 legislators and more than 17,000 local officials from provincial governors to village councillors on May 14.

Philippine elections have been traditionally marred by violence and allegations of massive cheating.

In the 2004 presidential and national elections, more than 140 people were killed in attacks, shootings and firefights related to the polls.