La Union bomb attack targets lawmaker

AGOO, La Union, Philippines – Police disclosed yesterday that Rep. Eufranio Eriguel of this province’s second district was the real target of last Saturday’s bomb attack that left his four aides wounded in this town.

La Union police director Senior Superintendent Angelito Dumangeng told The STAR that the attack was politically motivated.

Dumangeng said security had been tightened in Agoo since it was placed under the election watchlist.

The town was among six areas in the province placed under the watchlist.

Military soldiers were deployed yesterday to assist police officers in ensuring peaceful and orderly elections, Dumangeng said.

He said they have gathered leads on the identities of the suspects in the attack that occurred some 50 meters away from Eriguel’s house in Barangay Sta. Barbara.

The lawmaker was on his way to a campaign sortie when the bomb went off and hit a car carrying his four aides.

 Wounded were Senior Police Officer 2 Jack Baguan, Samuel Ofiaza, Anthony Casem and driver Jovanne Cacayuran, who remains in critical condition.

A source said the bomb used in the attack is the same explosive being used by terrorists in Mindanao.

Eriguel expressed belief that his political rivals were behind the attack. He refused to identify them.

The lawmaker, who supports Vice President Jejomar Binay’s presidential bid, is not seeking reelection for his last term.

His wife, outgoing Agoo Mayor Sandra Eriguel, is running in the congressional race. Their daughter, Stephanie Eriguel, is seeking the mayoral post.