Power struggle behind slay try on lawmaker?

MANILA, Philippines - Police investigators are eyeing politics as a motive behind the failed ambush of party-list Rep. Arnulfo Canonigo in Marikina City last Dec. 11.

Eastern Police District (EPD) director Chief Superintendent Francisco Manalo told The STAR “there is a power struggle” within the ranks of the Kapatiran ng mga Nakulong na Walang Sala (Kakusa), which Canonigo represents for a second term.

“But I cannot divulge other details right now as our investigation is still ongoing,” he said.

The Marikina police, however, claimed Canonigo is at odds with another ranking official of the Kakusa over “funds.” The official wanted a “50-50 sharing” with Canonigo of the party-list group’s countrywide development fund (CDF).

“Rep. Canonigo wanted out of the Kakusa because of the interference of one of its official in the CDF allocation for the group. He said it could be one of the reasons why he was ambushed,” a police official said.

However, Canonigo has yet to file a formal statement with the police regarding the shooting.

According to the Marikina City police, Canonigo is still recuperating at the St. Luke’s Medical Center for gunshot wounds in the arms, legs, and neck.

Canonigo was in his car when one of four attackers shot him in front of his residence in Fairlane Subdivision, Barangay Concepcion Uno last Dec. 11.

Earlier, Superintendent Danilo Macerin, deputy chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group National Capital Region claimed that Canonigo had a clear look at his attacker’s face.

Despite him being listed in stable condition, Macerin said Canonigo begged off from describing his attacker to a police artist.

Macerin noted that Canonigo’s companions – his stepson and driver, John Paras, 39, and Filomino Saranilla, his security aide – did not have a clear look at the attackers.