The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said Tuesday it is investigating the shooting of Datu Piang (Maguindanao del Sur) Vice Mayor Omar Samama, who survived a daylight attack on Monday, 24 February.

Samama, who is seeking reelection, was shot in the abdomen by an unidentified gunman.

Comelec chairperson George Garcia, in a radio interview, said the incident was likely election-related, as violence involving candidates or incumbents was often linked to elections.

Samama was at a medical mission in Barangay Magaslong when he was attacked at around 10 a.m. He was rushed to the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center where he underwent surgery.

Samama, running under the United Bangsamoro Justice Party, was the latest target in the series of gun attacks in Maguindanao del Sur and Maguindanao del Norte. The authorities have recorded 85 shooting incidents in the provinces from January to mid-February.

Garcia said the Comelec anticipates an increase in the number of election hotspots as the midterm polls approach. He noted that areas experiencing violence, such as Datu Piang, may be considered for placement under Comelec control.

In January, the Comelec placed 38 areas under “red category” due to serious threats of election-related violence. The Comelec classifies areas into four categories: green (peaceful), yellow (previous poll-related incidents), orange (armed threats), and red (serious threats from armed or terror groups).