Unidentified motorcycle-riding gunmen shot and seriously injured a former town councilor of Polomolok town, South Cotabato on Friday morning.

According to a police report, former councilor Rhyolite Agregado Balili was on his way to the municipal hall when he was shot at close range inside his vehicle near the town hall premises.

Lt. Col. Joseph Forro 3rd, Polomolok police chief, said Balili sustained gunshot wounds in various parts of his body and was taken to a private hospital in nearby General Santos City.

'We are still digging deeper into the case and a manhunt had been launched,' Forro said.

Balili now works as the personal secretary of Polomolok Mayor Bernie Palencia.

Palencia has condemned the attack and directed the police to work with the military in tracking down the perpetrators.