Castillejos: Attack politically motivated

Batanes Gov. Telesforo Castillejos insisted yesterday that that the ambush that left him and his driver wounded in Pasay City last week was politically motivated and not just a simple case of road rage.

Castillejos however has nobody in mind on who could have masterminded the ambush that injured him at the nape and left shoulder.

After spending six days at the Medical City, Castillejos presided over a press briefing yesterday vowing to work for reconciliation with his political enemies as soon as he gets back to Batanes.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has not yet pinned down those responsible for the ambush of Castillejos and his driver, Albert Patimo, who is now in stable condition at the Medical City.

But the Batanes governor claimed he is satisfied with the CIDG’s handling of the investigation of his case.

“I hope na ma-pinpoint na ang culprit and those responsible for the crime so they could face the full force of the law,” said Castillejos, adding, “I am firm in saying that what happened to me is politically motivated.”

 The governor recalled that there was no traffic at the time of the ambush since they were traversing the road in Pasay City at around 3:30 a.m., and there were few vehicles around.

During the attack, Castillejos, 61, claimed the gunman even opened the passenger seat but fortunately, he was able to stoop down and so when the gunman opened fire several bullets hit the backrest instead.                                   

“I don’t have enemies except those I defeat in elections,” the governor said in Tagalog. – Non Alquitran