Ang Bumbero Party-list nominee shot dead in Manila

MANILA, Philippines — A nominee of the Ang Bumbero Party-list was shot dead by unidentified assailants on Monday, April 28 — around two weeks before election day.

Leninsky Bacud, the third nominee of the Ang Bumbero Party-list for the upcoming May 12 elections, was declared dead on arrival at a hospital following the attack.

The party-list confirmed his passing in a statement on Tuesday, April 28.

According to preliminary reports from the Manila Police District (MPD), the shooting occurred shortly before 6 p.m. in Sampaloc. Witnesses described the assailants as riding-in-tandem motorcycle gunmen who fled the scene immediately after the shooting.

Prior to the incident, Bacud had reportedly been with the party-list's first nominee, Jose Antonio Ejercito Goitia, at a campaign activity. The two had separated as Bacud was returning home when the attack took place.

In its statement, the Ang Bumbero Party-list expressed grief over Bacud's death. Goitia described him as a dedicated public servant and a true advocate for firefighters' rights.

The party-list also condemned all forms of violence and called for peace and unity in the upcoming elections. 

Goitia urged the party-list's supporters to honor Bacud's memory by continuing his advocacy for peaceful change and genuine public service. The group also asked for continued support in the upcoming midterm polls.

The MPD has identified two suspects behind the shooting, according to a Bombo Radyo report.

The Commission on Human Rights earlier sounded the alarm on the escalating attacks against electoral candidates during the campaign period.

Following the fatal shooting of Rizal, Cagayan Mayor Joel Ruma on April 23, the human rights body stressed the need for "proactive and preventive action," such as the strict enforcement of the election gun ban and the implementation of more comprehensive security protocols for campaign activities.

— Cristina Chi