“We will see to it that justice will be served.”
Sunday—the Lord’s day, is a day when most of us take a breather from a week’s hectic work. People attend mass or religious services, spend time with families, and recharge one’s batteries for another week ahead. It was supposed to be a day of peaceful respite.
Last Sunday, however, shook us with the terrible news that Mayor Filipina Grace America of Infanta, Quezon was ambushed. inside her vehicle after attending a religious service. Initial reports revealed that Mayora Grace sustained multiple gunshot wounds. She was rushed to Claro M. Recto Memorial Hospital and was transferred to Metro Manila with the help of the Philippine Air Force. Thankfully, as of writing, Mayora Grace is out of danger and recovering.
I have known Mayora Grace for a long time. She has been integral to Serbisyong Suarez and a close friend of our family. She is a dedicated, hardworking, and selfless public servant who has been the number one advocate and supporter of the people of Infanta. Throughout her term, we have seen how she values the talents and potential of the Infantahins through her regular recognitions and capacity-building and support programs for women, children, artists, educators, farmers, fisherfolks, and other sectors.
She is also consistently active in empowering and supporting communities through her responsive and timely local social welfare, economic, and educational programs. The reputable Infanta Mayor has fearlessly stood by her constituents in the midst of calamities and crises.
During this pandemic, Mayora Grace has always been on the frontlines. She has been actively monitoring not only the COVID-19 status in the municipality, but also the economic and social conditions of the people. She makes sure that adequate support is afforded to the people. She serves as a beacon of hope for Infanta amidst the adversities.
Hence, I cannot imagine who would, in his right mind, intend harm on her. She has no known enemies—that in itself speaks volumes about her character.
This attempt on Mayora Grace’s life is utterly despicable and unforgivable. Any form of violence, regardless of intention—whether politically-motivated, election-related, or not—has no place in civilized society. Quezon province vehemently abhors such an evil act. As chief executive of the Province, I strongly condemn violence and the perpetrators of such crimes in the province. We never tolerate these heinous acts, especially towards public servants who have been working diligently for the people.
We will see to it that justice will be served. Let this be a warning that anyone who will perpetrate evil in this province will be dealt with accordingly under our laws. I have already tasked our local police to immediately investigate and identify the people behind this crime. I also ask the assistance of our Police Regional Office CALABARZON and the National Bureau of Investigation to aid in the speedy resolution of this case. I now earnestly appeal to those who have any knowledge on this crime to step up and help resolve this matter. Do not be afraid to speak up for truth and justice. Those responsible for this crime must be held liable under the law.
In today’s world, peace has become elusive. We see crimes committed here and there, and currently a war waging between countries. Hence, I urge my fellow Quezonians to continuously pray and seek for peace. Let us dedicate our Sundays to pray for the much needed love, harmony, and unity in our province, in the country, and the world. Let us also fervently pray for Mayora Grace’s recovery, so that she may continue her invaluable work for the people of Infanta, especially at this point in the pandemic.
