2 Revilla supporters dead, b’gay chief hurt in ambush

CAVITE, Philippines – Two supporters of Bacoor City Mayor Strike Revilla were killed while a female barangay chief was wounded in an ambush Thursday night, authorities said.

Police said four men on two unlicensed motorcycles fired at the car of Barangay Queensrow West chairperson Catherine Palabrica, 44, at around 8 p.m. Thursday, wounding her and killing her brother-in-law Roberto Palabrica and bodyguard-driver Reynaldo Primoso, 47.

Police said the victims were on their way home from a campaign sortie. Their seven other companions aboard two vehicles had proceeded to nearby barangays in Bacoor City.

Chief Superintendent Benito Estipona, Calabarzon police director, has directed the Bacoor police to establish the motive behind the ambush and identify its perpetrators.

Revilla’s camp, however, believe that the attack was politically motivated.

The mayor’s brother, Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr., condemned the attack and berated the Calabarzon police for failing to act on poll-related violence in Cavite.

“This is the fault of the police. Instead of fighting crime in Region 4 and Cavite, they seem to be engaging in politicking,” he said.

The Revillas’ camp earlier alleged that some Cavite police officers have harassed members of the Lakas-Magdalo party in the past three weeks.

The senator’s son Jolo is running for Cavite vice governor, while his wife, actress Lani Mercado, is the incumbent congresswoman of Bacoor City.                – With Christina Mendez