Tarlac labor leader shot in ambush

A labor union president closely identified with business tycoon Eduardo "Danding" Cojuangco in Hacienda Luisita was critically wounded in an ambush staged by suspected communist guerrillas in San Miguel, Tarlac Wednesday night.

Francisco "Boy" Sigua, sustained several gunshot wounds in the body and is now confined at the Ramos General Hospital in Tarlac City.

Sigua, president of the United Labor-Workers Union (ULWU), an organized labor group at Hacienda Luisita, had just emerged from his office when fired upon by the rebels at about 11:25 p.m. in front of a Mapalacsiao chapel.

The victim, who is an incumbent barangay captain of Barangay Parang, Concepcion town, was on his way home together with a certain SPO2 Molina when ambushed.

It was not immediately known if Sigua’s policeman companion was also wounded in the attack.

Former Tarlac Rep. Jose "Peping" Cojuangco claimed Sigua is Danding’s righthand in Hacienda Luisita. Sigua is also closely identified with the camp of Tarlac Governor Jose "Apeng" Yap.

In an interview, Cojuangco said that if not immediately resolved by concerned authorities, the Wednesday night ambush of Sigua, will trigger more violence in Tarlac.— Jaime Laude