PAMPANGA Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Jr. has tasked the Philippine National Police to stop the “senseless killings” of local public officials in his legislative district.
In a privilege speech, Gonzales said at least five barangay officers and a municipal councilor have been killed between April 30, 2022 and last Nov. 12.
“It is sad to think that even though the killings in 2022 have not been solved, this kind of crimes is still happening in my district,” Gonzales said in Filipino. “And I can’t help but think: Are these recent deaths related to illegal drug trade? Quarrying? Or maybe because of illegal gambling in the province? Does this also have something to do with the election? How many more will die before the local police act?,” he lamented.
Gonzales said he would file a resolution calling for an immediate investigation into the “senseless and unresolved killings” of local public officials in his district.
He said the killings were being perpetrated by hitmen and assassins “with impunity.”
The legislator called on the local police to “enforce the law to the fullest extent, keep the peace, arrest and prosecute the criminals, and bring them to the bar of justice.”
He said the victims’ families “deserve both justice and closure” of the cases.
“The perpetrators must be exposed and should be punished within the full extent of the law. Their conviction shall provide the victims’ family with closure and shall allow them to begin to heal and mourn the loss properly,” he stressed.
In his speech, Gonzales recalled the crimes in his area of responsibility.
On April 30, 2022, barangay captain Alvin Mendoza of Alasas, San Fernando City, was ambushed by an unidentified gunman peppered the victims with bullets as he was leaving home. The suspect has not been identified.
About eight months later, on Dec. 28, 2022, barangay captain Jesus Liang of Sto. Rosario, also in San Fernando City, was walking across the newly renovated public market when a lone gunman approached and shot him dead before fleeing on foot. The unidentified suspect remained scot-free.
On April 17, 2023, former board member and Pampanga Liga ng mga Barangay president Gerome Tubig was murdered in front of VL Makabali Memorial Hospital, also San Fernando.
On June 11, 2024 barangay captain Matt Ryan de la Cruz and his driver Henry Aquino were gunned down at a gasoline station in Del Pilar, another barangay in San Fernando City. Both victims suffered multiple gunshot wounds and died on-the-spot. Again, no suspect was identified or arrested.
On Aug. 11 last year, barangay captain Norberto Lumbang of Laquios, Arayat was likewise shot dead right inside the barangay hall. Lumbang, who was planning to run for vice mayor next year, died on the spot. Suspects still at large.
And just last Tuesday, Nov. 12, a municipal councilor also in Arayat was killed while his companion was wounded in an attack by motorcycle-riding assailants in Barangay Telapayong.
Councilor Federico Hipolito was declared dead on arrival at the hospital, where his companion, barangay captain Julito Trinidad of Batasan, was also taken for treatment of a gunshot wound. The victims had just alighted from a tricycle when the suspects shot them.
“As usual, the police have yet to determine the motive for the attack,” said Gonzales, who presented videos of the incidents.
He urged his colleagues to support his call for an inquiry into the murders.
“Justice may have many faces, but in the end, I believe it is primarily about accountability,” he said.
He promised the victims’ families, his constituents, and his province mates that he would not stop until all the perpetrators of these unsolved killings are brought to justice.
