Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 11) — Amado Espino, Jr., a former congressman who also served as governor of Pangasinan, is recovering after an attempt on his life Wednesday.

PBGen. Joel Orduña, Ilocos regional police director, told CNN Philippines Espino is in a hospital intensive care unit (ICU) as of 6:30 p.m. and is in "stable" condition. The former fifth district representative of the province is now "out of danger," he said.

Police said Espino was on board his vehicle when shot by still unidentified suspects in Barangay Magtaking, San Carlos City at around 4:30 p.m.

"Meron humarang, two vehicles that blocked their way," Orduña said.

Senator Richard Gordon earlier said all of Espino's five guards were killed as they "shielded Espino with their bodies," but this was not mentioned in the initial police report.

Gordon's tweet included photos showing a black Toyota Innova peppered with bullets.

Gordon called on the Philippine National Police to mobilize forces to track down the perpetrators.

Ruling party Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan condemned the attack on Espino, calling it "cowardly" and "barbaric [that] has no room in a democracy like the Philippines."

The Philippine National Police also condemned the attack and has ordered a manhunt for the gunmen.

President Rodrigo Duterte tagged Espino as a narco-politician in August 2016, only to apologize to him for mistakenly including him in the so-called narco list.

This is a developing story. Please refresh page for updates.