Former Pangasinan Governor Amado Espino Jr. was ambushed on Wednesday afternoon, September 11.
Police said unidentified armed men shot and wounded Espino while he was onboard his Toyota Innova around 4:30 p.m. in Barangay Magtaking, San Carlos City, Pangasinan.
A spot report sent by the Police Regional Office 1 to Camp Crame said the former governor was brought to the Holy Blessed Family Hospital in San Carlos City.
Policemen were still investigating the motive behind the attack while operations were being carried out to possibly get the suspects.
A tweet by Senator Richard Gordon said that all five bodyguards of Espino were killed during the attack, but this was not included in the initial report received by Camp Crame.
Gordon said the security personnel died while protecting Espino, taking all the bullets that were intended for him.
Espino is the father of incumbent Pangasinan Governor Amado Espino III.
Aside from formerly governing the province, the elder Espino was a former congressman representing the 5th district of Pangasinan.
He attempted to keep his post as a representative by running for re-election along with his son, but he lost against former Binalonan Mayor Ramon Guico III in the elections held early this year.
Espino’s wife, Priscilla, is the mayor of Bugallon, Pangasinan.
Another son, Jumel Espino, is currently the representative of the 2nd district of Pangasinan.
Image credits: Pangasinan.gov.ph