Shooting, threats in Cebu town

Rappler.com

This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

Shooting, threats in Cebu town
A member of the Garcia clan accuses his rival of attempting to kill an ally

CEBU CITY, Philippines – A gunman reportedly opened fire at the residence of Nelson Garcia, reelectionist mayor of Dumanjug, Cebu. The target is believed to be municipal councilor Ely Amadora, an ally of Garcia. 

A statement from the Garcia family said that his wife and kids were at home when the shooting happened. “Charges will be filed on the attempted assassination of Amidora,” the Garcia family added. 

They accused the camp of rival Liberal Party mayoral bet and current vice mayor Gungun Gica of being behind the shooting. The shooter, the Garcias said, is a driver of Gica. 

According to town police chief Rogelio Amoroso, Amadora was not hurt in the shooting. But a certain Marlon Ybañez happened to be driving nearby in the area and was hurt during the shooting.

But Gica’s mother, Marna Gica, accused Amadora of shooting at their driver. “Violence is here. Orchestrated by 1-Cebu PDP Laban and mayoral candidate Nelson Garcia,” she posted on her Facebook.

This is the second incident of election violence in Dumanjug, the most vote-rich town in the newly created 7th District. Dumanjug is one of the few towns in Cebu where the mayor is not a member of the LP. (READ: 2.7 million voters expected in Cebu) In December, a grenade was thrown at Gica’s car, with Gica blaming Garcia for the incident.

Garcia is a brother of former Cebu governor Gwen Garcia. One Cebu, the party founded by the Garcia clan, is supporting the presidential bid of Rodrigo Duterte.

Threats

In northern Cebu, incumbent mayor of Medellin, Ricardo Rodriguez, warned 4th District Representative Benhur Salimbangon against a threat by Loy Madrigal, a staff member of Bogo City Mayor Celestino “Junie” Martinez. 

Ramirez posted the warning public on his Facebook account on May 8. “Reliable information for all concerned. A group of 20 men believed to be armed and led by Loy Madrigal will be operating tonight to harass Cong Benhur Salimbangon.”  

Salimbangon, who is with One Cebu, has had several conflicts in the past with Martinez, an LP member.

Madrigal denied Martinez’ accusation. “What he’s posting on Facebook is not true. He’s just trying to gain sympathy sa iyang kabuang (for his antics).”

On election eve on Sunday, May 8, Madrigal and Ramirez got into a fight with Madrigal in front of a motel in Bogo City. Ramirez claimed he was assaulted over politics, but Madrigal said Ramirez got angry when he took a video of him at the hotel and shot at his car first

Madrigal told Rappler he has never considered harassing the congressman. “You know what, Ricky’s crazy… Nangita ra na siya og gubot (He’s just looking for trouble).”– with reports from Richale Cabautan and Ryan Macasero/Rappler.com

Add a comment

Sort by

There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation.

Summarize this article with AI

How does this make you feel?

Loading
Download the Rappler App!