Tagum City, Davao del Norte – April 30, 2025 — A candidate for the First District Board Member post in Davao del Norte survived a gun attack Tuesday night, April 29, in what authorities fear may be part of a troubling rise in election-related violence as the May polls draw near.
The victim, identified as 43-year-old Audrie Perez, was on his way home aboard a motorcycle when unidentified gunmen opened fire at him multiple times along Delfina Village, Barangay Magugpo North, near the Mormons Chapel. Perez is known as the executive assistant of Congressman Pantaleon “Bebot” Alvarez and is also running for a provincial board seat under the First District of Davao del Norte.
Perez sustained gunshot wounds but was immediately rushed to Tagum Doctors Hospital where he was declared safe and out of danger by medical personnel.
Responding police officers recovered five spent shells from a .45 caliber pistol at the crime scene. Investigators are now working to determine the motive behind the shooting and to identify the assailants.
Police have not ruled out the possibility that the incident is politically motivated, especially as the attack happened just days before the May 13 elections.
This incident adds to the growing list of violent occurrences linked to the election season in the region. Various watchdogs and authorities have already raised concerns over the increasing number of attacks and threats involving candidates and political supporters across the country.
Local law enforcement agencies are intensifying their presence in hotspots and coordinating with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to safeguard the electoral process and ensure the safety of candidates and voters alike.
COMELEC officials urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities as the election campaign enters its most crucial phase.