LAOAG CITY – Another mayoralty candidate in Marcos town, 26 km from this city, was shot dead around 2 pm today along a national road in front of the Iglesia ni Cristo Chapel in that town.
The victim was identified as Alfred Arce who is running as an independent candidate in the mayoralty race in Marcos. Police said two other victims on board a passenger jeepney were hit by stray bullets.
Sr. Supt. Gerardo Ratuita, acting provincial director, said the victim was driving his motorcycle along the road in barangay Fortuna when two suspects on board another motorcycle without a plate number shot him.
Arce, who was shot in the chest, died on the scene while the victims who were injured by crossfire were taken to the hospital for treatment.
Arce was the second victim of election-related violence in Ilocos Norte following the failed assassination of reelectionist Marcos Mayor Salvador Pillos earlier this month.
The two are running in a three-way mayoralty race against businessman Arsenio Agustin. (Cristina Arzadon)
