Cebu mayor’s husband, two others killed in ambush


HUSBAND of San Fernando, Cebu Mayor Lakambini “Neneth” Reluya and two other companions were killed in an ambush in Barangay Linao, Talisay City at past 6 p.m. Tuesday.

Ricardo “Nonoy” Reluya, who was the mayor’s husband and running mate in the May 2019 election, did not survive in the ambush. Their driver Allan Bayot and the town’s tourism officer, Ricky Montenora, who were with them inside the Toyota Grandia, also perished. The male Reluya was president of the town’s Association of Barangay Councils.

Based on the initial investigation of the police, the Reluyas and their companions were travelling to Cebu City when a Toyota Innova intercepted them in Barangay Linao. It was at this juncture that three masked gunmen rained bullets into their vehicle.

The mayor and her two other companions survived the attack.

The Talisay City police said the incident could be politically-motivated, as there were purportedly reports of death threats received by the Reluyas from the rival candidate.

C/Insp. Ardy Cabagnot, deputy chief of the Talisay City Police Station, said Mayor Reluya reportedly claimed that politics was behind the ambush.

Last year, San Fernando Councilor Reneboy Dacalos at Barangay Captain Johny Ariesgado were killed in separate incidents. The two were Reluya's party allies.

As the investigation was ongoing, Malacanang deplored the ambush and asked the public to “be vigilant” and that it must report to the authorities any “brewing electoral violence” in their locality.

“We deplore the ambush of San Fernando, Cebu, Mayor Lakambini Reluya and pray for her speedy recovery,” said Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo in a statement.

Panelo admitted that political rivalry is “fever pitch” especially during elections, which could result to violence. He added that this culture of violence “will have to end.”

Malacanang has already ordered the police force to probe the incident. - LGC



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