MANILA, Philippines — The shooting incident at a beach resort in Batuan town, Masbate, which is owned by Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) director Sandra Cam, is believed to be politically motivated.
In a statement on Monday, Cam strongly condemned the shooting incident where two minors were injured after gunmen aboard a motorcycle opened fire at the gate of the Zanda Beach Resort on Sunday night.
Cam said she believes the incident was “politically motivated,” meant to scare residents and supporters, since the incident happened following the Cam family’s gift-giving activity.
Cam called on the authorities to resolve the case.
“We strongly condemn the shooting incident that victimized two minors during this Christmas season, this period of critical crisis of pandemic,” Cam said.
“Political violence must be set aside and focus only on gift-giving to less fortunate kababayans,” she added.
“We are just waiting for the investigations being conducted by our police authorities. Let the justice be served immediately” she further said.
Batuan police chief Lt. Nestor Nasayao said authorities already have a lead in the investigation, and that suspects were identified. However, Nasayao declined to reveal their identities.
Nasayao also believes that the purpose of the attack was to instill fear as those behind the incident have no particular target since it happened outside the compound, exactly 25 meters away from the guardhouse or entrance of Cam’s house.
“Nag-open fire sila sa harap ng compound at nagkataon na palabas noon ang mga biktima” Nasayao said.
Masbate police are reviewing the CCTV footage of the incident to identify the four gunmen who were aboard two motorcycles.
Following the incident, security was also heightened in Batuan.