Koko, JV condemn killing of ex-La Union lawmaker

MANILA, Philippines— Some senators slammed the killing of former Rep. Eufranio “Franny” Eriguel (2nd District La Union), who died in a shooting incident in Agoo, La Union on Saturday evening.

Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel on Sunday said he condemned the slay of Eriguel and called for justice for the the former lawmaker's death.

“The Philippine National Police must forcefully, quickly, and effectively respond to this outrage,” Pimentel said.

Eriguel is a member of Partido Demokratiko Pilipino – Lakas ng Bayan (PDP Laban), of which Pimentel is the president.

Sen. JV Ejercito also condemned the killing of Eriguel which he said was a “cowardly act.”

“I condemn this cowardly act! Cong. Eriguel is a colleague of mine in the 15th Congress at the House of Reps. He is a very good person,” Ejercito said on Twitter.

On Saturday, PNP-Region 1 confirmed that Eriguel was shot dead in Barangay Capas, Agoo, La Unuion. Two of his bodyguards, who tried to shield him during the incident, Bong Tubera and Bobby Ordinario, were also killed.

They were brought to La Union Medical Center but were declared dead on arrival.

Police said the assailants were on board a black Mitsubishi Montero and a white Toyota Innova.

The shooting incident reportedly occurred at around 7 p.m.

Eriguel was reportedly attending a general assembly of candidates running for barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections when he was shot.

In April 2016, the former solon survived a bomb attack which left his driver Jovanne Cacayuran dead.

In August of the same year, President Rodrigo Duterte named Eriguel as among the long list of magistrates, local executives, retired and active police officers, whom he claimed are involved in illegal drugs.

Eriguel was cleared in the narco-politicians list of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)–Region 1 in April 2017.

Meanwhile, La Union Gov. Francisco Emmanuel Ortega III called on authorities to “immediately investigate this incident and arrest the persons responsible for this cowardly act.”

The governor was also quoted assuring the bereaved family that he would “do everything to bring those responsible to justice.”