Philippines shooting: Ex-mayor among three dead

Funeral workers transport the body of a shooting victim at an university in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines, 24 July 2022. EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock

3 people in the Philippines have been killed within an apparent targeted shooting at a graduation ceremony.

An ex mayor, Rose Furigay, is among the dead. She was attending the particular graduation of her daughter, who was injured in the shooting in Quezon City.

The alleged gunman has been arrested. He is thought to have been involved in a legal dispute with Furigay.

School plus university shootings are rare in the Philippines but killings associated with politicians are pretty common.

The shooting happened in Ateneo de Manila University, during an event for law learners and their families.

Furigay was mayor of Lamitan, the city in the Philippines’ restive south. But police pointed to the suspect’s “long history” of disputes with Furigay.

The girl assistant and one of the university’s security protects were also wiped out during the attack.

Police have stated Furigay’s daughter is at a stable condition in hospital.

Alexander Gesmundo, chief proper rights of the Philippines, has been on his way to speak at the ceremony times before the shooting.

In a statement, Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said police would “thoroughly and swiftly investigate these killings and bring all involved to justice”.