Basilan: Three people, including a poll watcher, were killed and two others were wounded in a predawn boat clash near Hadji Muhtamad town Monday, hours before elections began.

According to Philippines News Agency, the fatalities-poll watcher Murasidul Kidong Abduarahman and supporters Samier Allil Jamiri and Ben Bakil-were aboard a motorboat with mayoral candidate Jamar Mansul’s convoy when they were attacked near Sangbay Big Island at about 1:45 a.m.

The wounded supporters, identified as Haber and Zaldy Alih, were hospitalized following the incident. Police chief Maj. Nursaibar Mahadi reported that his seaborne patrol team engaged with eight armed men who did not stop for inspection. “They suddenly opened fire, prompting our team to retaliate in a five-minute firefight,” he stated, noting that three attackers jumped overboard during the conflict.

Hanah Mansul, the wife of Jamar Mansul, confirmed that the deceased were supporters of her husband, who were traveling from Dansalan. Jamar Mansul, who served as mayor of Hadji Muhtamad from 2013 to 2019 and is one of the three candidates running, escaped the incident unharmed.