Tuesday, April 17, 2007 Lapid's supporters shot, hurt By Marna H. Dagumboy
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Reelectionist Pampanga Governor Mark Lapid revealed an alarming rise of threats and intimidation against his supporters, after an unidentified man riding an FB van shot two of his followers in Barangay Dau, Lubao recently.
Lapid said there have been reports of threats and intimidation against their leaders in Arayat, Masantol, Lubao, Mexico and Bacolor, even as he called on all candidates to abide by the peace covenant signed at the San Fernando Cathedral in the presence of Archbishop Paciano Aniceto.
The shooting incident happened after the posting of Lapid's campaign materials in the neighborhood. One of the victims was wounded in the nape while the other at the back. Both were rushed to the Pampanga Medical Specialists Center in Guagua town.
"After their recovery, they requested that they not be identified for fear that they would be liquidated. While I have instructed my legal team to get a full report of the incident, we have to temporarily respect the wishes of the victims," Lapid said.
"Several of our leaders in several towns have received death threats either through mail or text messages. There seems to be a pervading pattern of intimidation, and this does not bode well for a peaceful and clean elections," he said.
"On my part, Concon Laus and I assure our political opponents that we will fight fair and square. No payoffs, no intimidation, and no dirty tricks. For what honor is there if you win by goons, guns, and gold?" the governor said.
"We also wish to assure our leaders and supporters that we will stand by them and will use all legal means to protect them. I also call on our people to be extra-vigilant and report to us and the proper authorities any attempt to thwart the will of the electorate of our province," he added.
