Re-electionist Datu Piang Vice Mayor Omar Samama survived a brazen attempt on his life after he was shot while delivering a speech before his constituents on Monday morning in Maguindanao del Sur.
In a statement issued by his family on Tuesday, Samama was declared ‘out of danger’ and is ‘recovering’ from injuries he sustained during the shooting incident.
Samama was attending a speaking engagement for a local government organized event held at a COVID center in Barangay Magaslong, Datu Piang when a single gunshot was fired.
The bullet hit him on his upper body part and he fell midway through his speech, based on a video clip of the incident that was shared on social media. He was immediately rushed to the nearest hospital.
The Samama family assured the vice mayor’s supporters that he is now stable. Authorities also launched a thorough investigation to determine the motive and identify suspect/s behind the crime.
The Bangsamoro Ministry of Interior and Local Government said it is strongly condemning the “senseless and cowardly” ambush attempt on Vice Mayor Samama.
“This act of violence against a public servant is an attack on peace, democracy, and the rule of law in the Bangsamoro,” the ministry said. It urged public vigilance in light of the incident.
Samama is seeking re-election under the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas national party.
Datu Piang, Maguindanao del Sur is listed under the ‘red zone’ or ‘areas of grave concern’ by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) across the Bangsamoro region, considering its history of serious political violence during poll season.