Gunmen attack RP minister's home

Gunmen attack RP minister's home

MANILA (AFP): A controversial Philippine minister escaped unhurt after gunmen on two vehicles strafed his home in a northern Manila suburb early on Tuesday, in what could be a politically motivated attack.

Manila police director Chief Superintendent Edgardo Aglipay said he has ordered additional security for Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno, who has earlier complained of having received threats in the past few months.

Aglipay said witnesses told police that the attackers were aboard a van and a car without plates and that they sped away after Puno's men returned fire.

He said police were investigating whether the ammunition used in Tuesday's incident were similar to those found in Puno's office after a similar attack last week.

Puno, who was President Joseph Estrada's key strategist in last year's campaign, has been locked in a bitter turf war with Interior Undersecretary June Santiago.