Palace denounces violent attack vs La Union town execs

Malacañang on Wednesday condemned the violent attack against Balaoan, La Union Mayor Aleli Concepcion and her father, Vice Mayor Alfred Concepcion.

Unidentified men opened fire at the vehicle of the local leaders around 8:20 a.m. Wednesday while they were on their way to attend this week’s regular session at the town hall.

The older Concepcion died from multiple gunshot wounds while his daughter was unharmed, police said.

One of their bodyguards was also killed in the attack.

READ: La Union vice mayor killed, mayor survives ambush

“The Palace strongly denounces the recent ambush against Balaoan, La Union Mayor Aleli Concepcion and her father, Vice Mayor Alfred Concepcion,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement.

“We also express our heartfelt condolences to the grieving families and friends of the late Vice Mayor Alfred Concepcion and his aide, Mr. Michael Ulep. We likewise pray for the speedy recovery of Mayor Aleli Concepcion and the victims who were critically wounded during this atrocity,” he added.

The Palace official said the Philippine National Police (PNP) has been directed to investigate the incident, and vowed to pursue and prosecute the persons behind these brazen murders and bring them to justice.  /kga