Junjun Binay’s former secretary dies after being shot

The former executive secretary of ex-Makati mayor Junjun Binay died Friday night due to a gunshot wound sustained when she was attacked in front of her house Thursday night.

Binay confirmed the death of Monaliza "Monette" Bernardo on Facebook on Saturday.

"Kagabi pumanaw ang ating kaibigan, si Monette Bernardo. Monette succumbed last night to the gunshot wound she suffered when she was attacked by an unidentified assailant last Thursday," Binay wrote.

Police report showed that Bernardo, 44, just alighted from her Toyota Fortuner and was about to enter her residence along Makiling Street in Barangay Olympia in Makati City when an unidentified gunman, who came from behind, shot her once. 

The assailant boarded a waiting blue motorcycle and immediately fled toward South Avenue and turned left to Barasoain Street in Barangay Olympia, Makati City.

Bernardo sustained a gunshot wound in the right hand that went through her stomach. She was rushed by Reynaldo Bahoyo to Makati Medical Center for treatment.

Police said that according to two witnesses, the driver of the motorcycle wore a blue shirt and denim pants, was of medium built, and had a black helmet on. The back rider, on the other hand, wore a yellow polo shirt, was between 5’8" to 5’9" in height, and had a black helmet on.

A witness also said the assailants were seen at about 8 p.m. standing in front of an apartment located at South Interior corner South Avenue, Barangay Olympia.

"No words can describe this tragic loss. Monette was a kind, generous, and compassionate soul whose friendship I treasured and valued deeply. My family and I mourn her passing, and extend our love and prayers to her loved ones during this heartbreaking time," Binay wrote.

On Friday, Senator Nancy Binay asked for blood donation for Bernardo, whom she said they considered as part of their family.

The senator said they know Bernardo as a kind person with no known enemy.

"Ako po'y nananawagan sa mga otoridad at sa PNP [Philippine National Police] to confront this matter as soon as possible, at papanagutin kung sino man ang sa likod ng pagtatangka sa buhay niya," Nancy Binay said.

"We must unequivocally condemn any despicable attempt to sow terror and fear, particularly, acts of violence and hate which have no place in a civilized society—much more in Makati," she added. —KG, GMA News