Three men have been charged with murder in connection with the fatal shooting of Jundy Federiso, brother of New Corella Mayor Jorjan Monet Federiso, in Davao del Norte last week.
The suspects — Rocky Gozon, Marlex Jay Jambo, and June Ervin Rena — were charged on Thursday following the May 12 shooting incident in Barangay Mesaoy, New Corella.
Authorities said Federiso was shot in the chest around 2:20 a.m. in a grassy area of the village after a confrontation broke out between the victim and the three suspects.
A gunfight reportedly ensued, resulting in injuries to both Federiso and Gozon.
Federiso later died while undergoing treatment, while Gozon remains confined at a hospital due to gunshot wounds. Jambo and Rena are now in police custody.
Police are still investigating the motive behind the shooting.
There are speculations that Mayor Federiso may have been the target of an assassination plot, but Provincial Police Director Alexander Serrano said they are still verifying all angles.
Serrano also noted that other individuals may be involved, and that an in-depth probe is ongoing.
The incident has been classified as an isolated election-related case, authorities added.
