Gunmen have killed at least 10 people in an ambush on a local mayor in the southern Philippines, police say.
The attack took place in southern Mindanao on Thursday, as the group returned from a campaign event ahead of elections on 13 May.
Abdulmalik Manamparan, mayor of Nunungan town, survived the attack, but a number of his relatives were said to be among the dead.
Violent incidents often occur in the run-up to elections in the Philippines.
Four years ago, gunmen said to be from a rival clan killed 58 people, including dozens of journalists, in Mindanao as they travelled to file election papers for a local leader planning to contest polls for governor.
Police investigators said they suspected the recent attack was linked to a rival clan, the Associated Press news agency reported.
The polls on 13 May will see seats contested at national, provincial and municipal level across the nation. A presidential election is not due until 2016.
I – Word Understanding
Gunmen – men who use guns to commit a crime or terrorist act
Ambush – a surprise attack by people lying in wait in a concealed position
Campaign – planned course of action formulated to achieve defined objectives
Run-up – pile up
Rival clan – competitor group
Polls – the process of voting in an election
Contested – take part in
II – Have your say
1.Why Do So Many Muslims Embrace Terror and Warfare?
Here are some of the grisly passages from the Koran:
“Kill the unbelievers wherever you find them.”
“Any religion other than Islam is not acceptable.”
“Muslims must muster all weapons to terrorize the infidels.”
