San Fernando’s Reluya survives ambush: Mayor’s hubby, 2 others killed

CEBU, Philippines — A van carrying San Fernando, Cebu Mayor Lakambini “Naneth” Reluya, her husband, and four others was ambushed by unidentified assailants at around 5:30 p.m. yesterday in Barangay Linao, Talisay City.

The mayor is safe, said Talisay police chief Supt. Marlu Conag, but sustained a gunshot wound in her arm.

Her husband, Ricardo “Nonoy” Reluya Jr., driver Ricky Monterona, and one of the mayor’s staff members, Allan Bayot, were killed on the spot.

Ricardo was president of the Association of Barangay Councils in San Fernando.

Two other companions of Mayor Reluya are safe: a certain Jovanie Perez and a certain Tolentin Jefer.

According to initial investigation, the victims were heading to Cebu City from San Fernando town on board a white Super Grandia van (plate VY 8687) when unknown gunmen riding another car suddenly fired shots at their vehicle in front of a lechon house on N. Bacalso Avenue in Barangay Linao.

Felix Bocog, a member of the police auxiliary force in Talisay, who happened to be tailing the van before the shooting, reported seeing a white Toyota Innova suddenly waylaying the victims' van, before one of the Innova’s passengers fired at the driver’s side of the other vehicle.

Bocog said further that the other men on board the Innova joined in shooting the victims using long firearms. The suspects were said to be wearing vests and bonnets.

Riddled with bullets from M16 rifle, the van ended up on the street gutter.

Before heading off, the gunmen allegedly fired more shots as if to finish the victims off.

Conag said that based on the accounts of the mayor, it is possible that the ambush was politically-motivated.

Mayor Reluya is seeking reelection in the upcoming May polls, supposedly with her husband as running mate. 

The ambush of the Reluyas continued the spate of killings that has seemingly targeted officials of San Fernando.

On January 16, Magsico, San Fernando barangay captain Johnny Arriesgado was killed by unknown gunmen while driving his car along the national highway of the town’s Barangay South Poblacion.

The week earlier, in the same barangay, San Fernando councilor Reneboy Dacalos, 51, was also shot dead by unknown assailants inside the store of his brother-in-law.

The killings happened on the heels of police statements raising the possibility that the drug group of Franz Sabalones may be regrouping in the south.

The killings also came after the relief of the entire police personnel of the town ordered by Police Regional Office-7 director, Chief Supt. Debold Sinas, who expressed dissatisfaction with the town police’s fight against illegal drugs.

Earlier in the day yesterday, Ricardo told The FREEMAN he was happy with the relief, saying, “Ang mga tawo nalang ang mo-istorya kun nganong maayo ang paghulip sa tanang polis (Let the people tell why it’s a good move).”

Ricardo pointed out, nevertheless, that the former chief of police was also supportive of his wife's programs.

Meanwhile, another shooting took place in Barangay San Isidro, Talisay City last night, killing a village watchman or tanod. — with Moira Beatrice A. Zamora, USC Intern, JMD (FREEMAN)