Widow of ex-solon fears for her life

UNITY MARCH Residents from 10 towns in La Union province join a unity march in Agoo town to seek justice for slain former Rep. Eufranio Eriguel. —WILLIE LOMIBAO

AGOO, LA UNION — The widow of former La Union Rep. Eufranio Eriguel on Thursday admitted that she feared for her family’s safety as the police had yet to uncover the people who ordered the assassination nearly two weeks ago.

“I fear for my life … my children’s lives. There are threats,” said incumbent La Union Rep. Sandra Eriguel when she addressed 3,500 people from 10 towns who joined a “Unity March” to demand justice for her husband.

The marchers, who wore white shirts, walked from Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University to the covered court near the wake at Eriguel house here.

Lack of security

A necrological service followed at 9:30 a.m. where marchers offered eulogies for Eriguel, who was shot dead at a Sangguniang Kabataan meeting at Barangay Capas on May 12. Three of his supporters were also killed, while seven others were wounded.

“Who could have done this? I think you already know,” the Eriguel widow said. “But I beg you, help us. We have no security. The mastermind and the killers are still out there and they can come for us anytime.”

Political attack

Naguilian Mayor Reynaldo Flores, who joined the march, said there was no doubt the assassination was politically motivated. “They know they could not defeat him that’s why they eliminated him,” he said.

Eriguel had intended to run again for representative in his district in next year’s midterm elections but had entertained thoughts that he might run instead for mayor of Tubao town, also in La Union.

Only Felizardo Villanueva, 67, a losing candidate for Capas village chief, had been arrested for the May 12 attack, but the Eriguel family described him as a “lookout” and not the primary suspect.