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
Comments
Post a Comment