CEBU City Vice Mayor Edgar Labella wants the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) 7 to conduct a parallel investigation regarding the strafing incidents against Inayawan Barangay Captain Lutherlee “Lot-Lot” Soon.
Labella urged the NBI to find the culprits and ensure that the residents of Cebu City will have a clean, fair, open and honest election that is free from violence, threat and intimidation.
“Knowing that Soon is running for a seat in the City Council, there is no scintilla of doubt that these attacks may be politically motivated. These atrocious and debased acts by the opponents of Soon can only be seen as an act of desperation with the goal of intimidating her and her family,” he said in a one-page letter addressed to NBI 7 Director Atty. Ricardo Diaz.
Responsibility
“It is our task in the government to stem the prevalence of violence and hate in the exercise of the political right to suffrage. It is in this light that I seek recourse to your good office,” he added.
The Soon camp said a police official may have been involved in the incidents.
The first strafing happened last April 29, when unknown gunmen fired on one of the barangay-owned vehicles.
The second incident happened early morning of May 1, when unknown gunmen fired on Soon’s family-owned pharmacy in Barangay Tejero and her sister’s vehicle.
Based on a witness’ statement, Soon’s husband John said a white vehicle was seen in the area prior to the incident, with plate number YHN 613.
John sought the help of the Land Transportation Office 7, which was able to trace the vehicle.
The Hyundai Tucson is owned by a police officer.
Politically motivated
“We don’t understand what’s going on. We don’t even know the guy, if it is indeed him behind the strafing. We’re not saying that he is, but according to the witness, the motorcycle carrying the gunmen stopped by the car before it proceeded to the area where the strafing took place. And the vehicle passed by the building after the incident,” he said in Cebuano.
Soon’s camp went to the NBI 7 last Monday. They were told that if they want a parallel investigation, they must make a formal request.
“That’s why we asked the mayor and the vice mayor to talk to the NBI 7 on our behalf. We just found out about the police officer. I hope the investigation the police are conducting is fair,” Soon said in Cebuano.
She said they are not discounting the possibility that the incidents were politically motivated considering the elections are drawing near. Monique R. Acha, CNU Mass Comm Intern