Palace denounces ambush of Cebu town mayor, companions

MALACAÑANG condemned on Wednesday, January 23, the attempt on the life of San Fernando, Cebu Mayor Lakambini Reluya that led to the killing of her companions, including her husband.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the executive does not tolerate “culture of violence,” especially during the election season.

“We deplore the ambush of San Fernando, Cebu Mayor Lakambini Reluya and pray for her speedy recovery,” the Palace official said in a statement.

“During election period, political rivalry is fever pitch resulting in the upsurge of election-related violence. This unfortunate and standard norm cannot continue and the culture of violence that has characterized the electoral process will have to end,” he added.

The Cebu town mayor survived an ambush in Linao Village in Talisay, Cebu at dusk of Tuesday, January 22.

However, three of her five companions were shot to death, including her husband, Ricardo Reluya Jr.

Reluya is seeking reelection for a second term, while her husband was a candidate for vice mayor in the May 13 elections.

Prior to the ambush, Reluya's husband said that he, his wife, and some local politicians were included in the "kill list" of their political rivals led by mayoral candidate and businessman Ruben Feliciano.

Panelo appealed to the candidates for this year's midterm polls to refrain from committing "undemocratic and illegal" acts just to win against their political opponents.

He warned that President Rodrigo Duterte would not allow anyone to resort to violence, stressing that the Chief Executive wants a “peaceful, honest, and orderly elections.”

"We urge even as we warn the candidates to cease and desist employment of undemocratic and illegal methods to win for the law on accountability shall be applied to them with full force and effect," the Palace official said.

"Violence is anathema to democracy and this Administration will not allow nor tolerate any violence unleashed by any person or group that puts the voters and the general public at risk. The President is committed to shepherd peaceful, honest and orderly elections," he added.

Panelo likewise urged the public to be alert and monitor possible "brewing electoral violence."

He assured the people that the Philippine National Police was already directed to monitor areas considered hotspots, as well as to enforce the law strictly "regardless of who are involved."

"The citizenry must be vigilant and it must put to notice law enforcement authorities on any brewing electoral violence between and among the candidates and their followers in their respective localities,” he said.

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