Two dead, one injured in ambush on mayoralty candidate’s convoy

BAGUIO CITY — Two people were confirmed dead, and one was injured after unknown gunmen fired multiple shots at the convoy of a mayoralty candidate and his companions on the afternoon of 28 February 2025, at Sitio Palicad, Poblacion, Pilar, Abra.

The fatalities were identified as Froilan Bisares Bueno, Barangay Captain of Barangay Quillat, Langiden, Abra, and Kevin Bisares Bueno, the driver of one of the seven vehicles in the convoy.

The Barangay captain sustained a gunshot wound to his stomach and later died at the hospital, while the driver was killed instantly. The injured individual, identified as Sonny Bisares, suffered a gunshot wound to his right thigh.

According to a report from the Pilar Municipal Police, the convoy of Pidigan Abra Mayoralty Candidate Artemio "Billy Boy" Donato was traveling through Sitio Palicad, Poblacion, Pilar, Abra, at around 4:00 p.m. when the suspects opened fire. The gunmen were reportedly positioned on higher ground.

Donato was unharmed in the attack.

The police have alerted all municipal stations and are conducting checkpoints and dragnet operations in an effort to identify and apprehend those responsible for the ambush.