Genuino tags Binay supporters in attack

MANILA, Philippines - Makati mayoralty candidate Erwin Genuino accused yesterday supporters of Mayor Jejomar Binay of attacking his party during the fiesta in Barangay Guadalupe Viejo last Sunday.

However, Joey Salgado, Makati information and community relations chief, said Genuino’s group had a confrontation with a group identified with Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado.

The Makati City police said they have received no report of the incident.

In a statement, Genuino said an unidentified 12-year-old boy and a 74-year-old woman were injured during the melee.

“Despite the fact that politically-motivated violence or harassment is something that we already come to expect during the elections, it is still troubling to hear about reports of these, especially when innocent bystanders are caught in the crossfire,” read the statement.

Genuino said unidentified men allegedly threw rocks and empty glass bottles at the crowd gathered for a street-side show attended by members of his political party, Bigkis Pinoy.

Trouble began when the unidentified men attempted to tear down the tent where he, Jobelle Salvador and other guests were staying. Genuino is running for mayor of Makati against Mercado and Councilor Jejomar Erwin Binay Jr., son of Mayor Binay. – Jose Rodel Clapano