Iligan Rep. Belmonte calls for justice for aides killed in ambush

Iligan City Representative Vicente Belmonte called for justice for the three security aides killed in Thursday's ambush in Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental.

 

In an interview with GMA News TV's Quick Response Team on Friday, Belmonte urged authorities to step up efforts to identify the perpetrators of the ambush.

 

"Ang panawagan ko sa kanila (authorities) ay kailangan po ay may hustiya para sa lahat," he said. 

 

 

The Armed Forces of the Philippines Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) earlier said that PO3 Mark Andres, a member of the security detail for the lawmaker, and two aides identified as Ian Dumaging and Eustique Silawan were killed during the ambush. The security aides reportedly shielded Belmonte from gunfire, allowing the congressman to escape with just a minor hand injury.

 

Belmonte added that his personal driver remained in critical condition at a hospital in Cagayan De Oro City.

 

"Saludo ako sa security natin na up to the last drop of their blood, nandiyan pa rin sila sa akin. Masakit man, 'yun naman ang reality, wala tayong magagawa," Belmonte said. 

 

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has already shown Belmonte cartographic sketches of possible suspects in the ambush. But the representative has yet to receive a report regarding the investigation. 

 

Belmonte remains convinced that the ambush was politically motivated. — Trisha Macas/JST, GMA News