VICE President Jejomar Binay condemned the bombing of the convoy of La Union Rep. Eufranio “Franny” Eriguel that killed two and injured four of his staff in San Fernando City on Saturday.
“I am concerned over the attemp to kill Congressman Eriguel of La Union,” Binay said, adding that his supporters and leaders of the United Nationalist Alliance have been the targets of harassment since the start of the campaign period.
“The harassment of the political opposition bodes ill for our electoral process and our democracy,” Binay said.
“Such intolerance for political dissent must not be encouraged or tolerated by government inaction. While we condemn these acts of harassment against UNA, let us pray for peace in our land,” he added.
Eriguel was on board his car and was heading to a campaign sortie when a motorcycle exploded a moment after the congressman’s vehicle passed it but the back-up vehicle that was tailing him and was carrying several members of his staff bore the brunt of the explosion.
Eriguel was unhurt in the incident but two of his staff who were in the back-up car were killed in the explosion.
UNA likewise denounced the near-fatal attempt to assassinate Eriguel.
“We strongly condemn the bombing of Congressman Eriguel’s convoy that killed two of his staff and hurt four others. We regard this unfortunate incident as an affront to the peace-loving people of La Union. At this time, Vice President Binay’s thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims,” said UNA spokesperson Mon Ilagan.
With nine days to go until election day, UNA reiterated that the Commission on Elections and the Philippine National Police must exert their efforts to avert such incidents and broaden their intelligence network to prevent bloodshed in the coming elections.
Ilagan said the fatal attempt to assassinate Eriguel only shows that perpetrators have become ruthless and heartless.
“These acts of violence targeting political opponents are deplorable and appalling. The attempt of the life of Congressman Eriguel only shows the barbarity and ruthless nature of the perpetrators who have no regard for law or life,” he added.
Three weeks ago, UNA gubernatorial bet and Marawi City Mayor Sultan Fahad Salic, husband of UNA senatorial candidate Alma Moreno, and his driver were ambushed in Cagayon de Oro City.
Last March, UNA youth leader Eman Peña of Calauan, Laguna was killed when the vehicle of Mayor Buenafrido Berris was attacked by still unidentified armed men.
Peña is the fourth UNA member killed since the start of the campaign, following the assassination of Sto. Tomas, Batangas councilor Damasino Mabilangan Jr., former Pangutaran, Sulu mayor Ahmad Nanoh and former Banisilan, North Cotabato mayor Floro Allado.
Eriguel is a key supporter of UNA presidential candidate Jejomar Binay in La Union.