La Union gov orders police to hunt down killers of ex-lawmaker, 2 civilians

La Union Gov. Francisco Emmanuel Ortega III (Photo from the Facebook page the Provincial Government of La Union)

DAGUPAN CITY — La Union Gov. Francisco Emmanuel Ortega III has directed the police to hunt down the men who shot and killed former second district Rep. Eufranio Eriguel on Saturday night, May 12, as he was delivering a speech during a gathering at Agoo town in La Union province.

Offering his condolences to Eriguel’s family, the governor said he instructed the police “to immediately investigate this incident and arrest the persons responsible for this cowardly act.”

“[I] am assuring his family that I will do everything to bring all those responsible to justice,” Ortega said in a statement. “I would also like to assure the people of La Union that I will never allow violence to reign in our beloved province.”

Two other civilians were killed when two gunmen opened fire at the gathering in Barangay Capas at about 7 p.m.

The names of the two victims have not been released at posting time.

The attack took place on the last day of the campaign period for the May 14 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.

Eriguel was hit in the head and chest, according to sources.

His wife, incumbent La Union Rep. Sandra Eriguel, was also at the gathering but was unharmed.