BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya , Philippines – A former aide of Cauayan City (Isabela) Mayor Caesar Dy had succumbed to a gunshot wound from another politico whom he allegedly attempted to kill on Christmas Eve, belated reports showed.
Police identified the fatality as Ernesto Madriaga, who eventually expired while being treated at the city’s Garcia Hospital after former city councilor Edwin de Luna, whom he reportedly stabbed earlier, managed to fight back with his 9mm pistol, hitting the former at the back.
According to Chief Inspector Roberto Bucad, information officer of the Isabela police office, De Luna was stabbed twice on the chest by Madriaga while distributing prizes during a Christmas program in the city’s Purok 14, Barangay Villa Luna around 8:30 p.m. Thursday.
Bloodied, the surprised De Luna still managed to pull out his gun and fired at Madriaga, hitting him on the back.
“Councilor De Luna was brought to the (city’s) Medical Specialists Hospital for treatment while (the) suspect was pronounced dead on arrival at the Garcia Hospital,” he said.
Investigators are still establishing the suspect’s motives that drove him to an attempt on the former councilor’s life, police said.
De Luna, 40, who is seeking to reclaim his old post as city councilor, is allied with the Dys.
Likewise, Madriaga, 40, was also identified with the Dys. He was said to be Mayor Dy’s former private driver-aide before being employed at the city hall.
Now on his third and final term as mayor, Dy, who is abroad, admitted that “both are close to me and I am not aware of any motives behind the incident.”