Loot denies ambush was staged

CEBU, Philippines — Daanbantayan Mayor Vicente Loot denied insinuations that he staged his own ambush to gain public sympathy.

"No one in his right mind would do such a thing nga maapil ang iyang mga apo," Loot told The FREEMAN.

His five grandchildren who were with him during the attack were aged 6 months to 7 years old. He said that one of the three persons injured was a nanny, who at the time of the attack was holding his 6-month-old grandchild, and was sitting beside him.

Five unidentified armed men opened fire at Loot and his family as they were disembarking from a passenger boat at the New Maya wharf in Daanbantayan Sunday morning. They came from Malapascua Island.

Loot said that those three people injured, one nanny and two drivers, were already like family to them. If it was staged, Loot said there would have been no people injured.

Loot said his grandchildren were traumatized because of the incident. His family is set to see a child psychologist to help the children recover from the trauma. The mayor said he is keeping an open mind on the possible motive, but politics is one of the angles he is looking into.

At present, two policemen are securing the town mayor and his wife. His two sons and their family members have also returned to their homes. Each son is escorted by one police officer.

The Commission on Elections said there was no violation in giving security detail to Loot and his family even if it is election season. Comelec-7 acting director Veronico Petalcorin said every citizen is welcome to request for security if they are facing eminent danger.

"Anybody, not only elective government officials, can request assistance, Petalcorin said.

He, however, explained that there has to be recommendation from the joint security committee of the Comelec in the province before the regional office can act on the request.

Police Regional Office-7 director Chief Superintendent Robert Quenery immediately ordered Cebu Provincial Police Office director Senior Superintendent Manuel Abrugena to provide security to Loot and his family after the incident.

"We have initially provided him (Loot) and his family a security personnel... but he made a request to formalize because its election period," Quenery said.

A Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) was already created to investigate the incident.

"Investigate deeply, and identify suspects and bring them in the bar of justice," was Quenery’s order.

The National Bureau of Investigation-7 also reached out to Loot and expressed willingness to conduct an investigation. Quenery described the incident as isolated and assured other public officials that there is nothing to worry about.

Despite the assurance, former Cebu City mayor Michael Rama has expressed concern of his security. Loot and Rama were among those named by President Rodrigo Duterte as narcopoliticians. The two have since been denying any involvement in illegal drugs.

“It’s unfortunate. The timing was questionable. It always brings another concern on peace and order,” Rama told The FREEMAN.

Rama said he was happy that Loot and his family survived the strafing. Although he is concerned about his safety, Rama said he will not hire security personnel.

Rama said he is confident after he was able to explain his side to Duterte during a meeting in Davao last March.

“There’s still a threat because I have political opponent. He started all of it. But, no matter what happens, I will continue praying because my security will always be a concern,” Rama said. (FREEMAN)