Manila, April 9 -- Authorities have launched a manhunt after assailants ambushed and injured a municipal council aspirant and two of his supporters in Pitogo, Zamboanga del Sur province, police said Wednesday.

Col. Bonifacio Aranas, Zamboanga del Sur police director, said he has alerted police forces in neighboring towns to conduct a dragnet operation.

The victims were identified as Falconeri Buton, 53, incumbent barangay chairperson of Upper Panikian and a candidate for municipal councilor; Jerry Birano, 30; and Janise Bayawa, 50.

Two other supporters of Buton, identified as Joe Honey Cabante, 28, a job order employee, and Rey Canete, 32, were unharmed.

Investigation revealed that Buton was driving a vehicle issued by his barangay, a...