Council candidate survives ambush in Pitogo, Zamboanga del Sur

DAVAO CITY (April 9) –A candidate for municipal councilor in Pitogo, Zamboanga del Sur narrowly escaped death after being ambushed by armed men in Barangay Upper Panikian on the night of April 8 at around 8:45 p.m.

In an interview with Newsline Philippines, Zamboanga del Sur Board Member Hernan Paraiso Dela Cruz confirmed that Barangay Captain Falconeri Buton, who is running for town councilor in the upcoming elections, was shot multiple times by still unidentified suspects armed with high-powered firearms.

Buton was with two companions when their group came under fire while heading home from a political rally.

The victims were immediately rushed to the Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center, where they are currently undergoing treatment. Their conditions remain under close medical observation.

Authorities have launched a full investigation to identify the perpetrators and determine the motive behind the attack.

The incident has raised renewed concerns about election-related violence in the province. During the 2022 elections, Pitogo Mayor James Yecyec, a partymate of Buton, also survived an ambush, although one of his companions was killed.

​Political violence has been a persistent issue in Pitogo, Zamboanga del Sur, reflecting broader patterns of election-related unrest in the region. Below is a timeline highlighting significant incidents:​

1988- January 1: The acting mayor of San Miguel, Zamboanga del Sur, was assassinated amid the local election campaign. This event was part of a series of violent incidents during the 1988 local elections, which saw at least 87 individuals killed nationwide, including 39 candidates. ​

2022- May: Pitogo Mayor James Yecyec survived an ambush during the election period. Unfortunately, one of his companions was killed in the attack. This incident underscored the dangers faced by local politicians during electoral contests.​

2025-January 3: A barangay councilor from Upper Dumalinao, Zamboanga del Sur, was fatally shot, sustaining 12 gunshot wounds. ​

January 4: Another barangay councilor from Lantawan, in the same municipality, was killed while riding their motorcycle. ​

April 8: Barangay Captain Falconeri Buton, a candidate for municipal councilor in Pitogo, was ambushed in Barangay Upper Panikian around 8:45 p.m. Buton and two companions were shot multiple times by unidentified assailants armed with high-powered firearms while returning home from a political rally. They were transported to Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center and remained under medical observation.