NEGROS Occidental Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson is appealing to the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation on the shooting in Isabela early this week, which killed three people and injured two others.
The vice governor said it needs to be investigated to determine if the incident was politically-motivated or insurgency-related.
Lacson said that the shooting incident could also be a warning that the coming election on that side could be violent.
“It would be good if authorities can identify the person behind this violent incident. So I think that's what we should look after,” Lacson pointed out.
On April 9, Jose Joerito Amable, 50, of Moises Padilla town, a retired soldier and member of Civil Security Group of Moises Padilla Mayor Magdaleno Peña; Alejandro Borres, 70, of Moises Padilla town, a retired policeman; and Federico Bitgue III, 29, of Isabela town, were attending a wake when unidentified assailants fired at them and escaped on board two motorcycles.
Wounded were Alquin Genterula Jr., 34, of Moises Padilla town, a teacher; and a 10-year-old boy after they were hit by stray bullets. Both are now in a stable condition.
Police recovered from the scene fired bullets and ammunition of .9mm, and .45 caliber pistol.
Since one of the victims is part of the security of the mayor, the person behind it should be identified "so that we can determine if it's political or insurgency-related," he said.
"It's unfortunate. It could possibly be Sparu (Special Partisan Unit). It could be considered a violent action that could hamper the resumption of the peace talks between the Government Peace Panel and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines," Lacson pointed out.
Authorities are studying the possibility that the shooting could be a test mission of the rebels.
Meanwhile, the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo) is condemning the shooting incident in Isabela town.
In a press statement, Inspector Charmae De Paz, public information officer of Nocppo, said the Negros police are appealing to the public for their cooperation and support in order to maintain peace and order and prevent further acts of terrorism.
Let us act together to end the long-suffering from senseless war and unnecessary loss of lives, she said.