Widow defeats ambush suspect in Opol elections
A MIXED emotion of joy and sorrow was felt by a winning candidate for village chief post in Malanang, Opol, Misamis Oriental, whose spouse was killed in an ambush the night before the elections.
Nilda Zafra won against Sino Dragon, who was seeking for another term as barangay captain of Malanang, by a difference of about 200 votes.
Zafra’s husband Eliezer was killed after a volley of fire greeted their way while heading towards the village proper, Sunday night, May 13.
companion was slightly wounded.
Authorities secured witnesses who have seen Dragon at the ambush site to testify against the latter’s involvement in the treacherous attack.
Dragon turned himself in to the police, just an hour before the polling centers opened on Monday, to ‘clear his name’.
Two other suspects, Hermmies Bob Abellanosa and Arnel Vertudazo were arrested at the crime scene.
The widowed Zafra took to her social media account yesterday and expressed gratitude to the people who trusted and voted for her during the village and youth polls.
“Akong dakong pasalamat sa tanang nagsuporta sa bando ni Nilda Zafra bisan tood anaa kita sa kasubo adunay purpose ang Ginoo sa tanan. Salamat City Homes ug sa Tibuok Malanang To God be the Glory, ”Zafra’s Facebook status read.
Her post was flooded with words of condolences and congratulations.
Senior Inspector Dennis Flores, Opol town police chief, said the suspects were facing murder charges and were brought to the provincial prosecutors office for the inquest proceedings yesterday.
“I-evaluate pa ang kaso then kung naay commitment order dad-on ang mga suspects sa provincial jail, ”Flores said.
Flores said the evidences against the suspects were strong while they are still awaiting the results of the paraffin test.