BACOLOD CITY , Philippines — Representative Evelio Leonardia (Bacolod, lone district) is seeking assistance for the victims of the shooting at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, including an 18-month-old baby who was hit in the head by a stray bullet.
Leonardia said he will seek the help of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) for the four victims from this city: baby Gil Tomas Lirazan, the baby’s mother, Mary Ann Lirazan, 28; his grandmother Amalia Lirazan, 58, and his cousin, Dianne Uy, 3.
The Lirazans, who are from Brgy Mansilingan of this city, went to Manila for a Christmas vacation. They were at the arrival area waiting for their vehicle when two motorcycle-riding killers, one in police uniform, shot Zamboanga del Sur Mayor Ukol Talumpa and his wife, Lea, and their nephew Salipudin Talumpa, 25, as they emerged from the NAIA Terminal 3 arrival area before noon of Friday.
Leonardia condemned the killing, saying murder can never be justified and the worst part is that innocent persons were involved.
The congressman said he had spoken to PCSO General Manager Jose Ferdinand Rojas and Assistant General Manager Liza Gabuyo, who assured him of assistance for the Lirazans and Uy.
“We were assured this will be given special treatment. What is important is they should give this personal and official attention,†Leonardia said, adding that Rojas asked him to send a formal letter of request so assistance can be provided.
City Councilor Caesar Distrito, a neighbor of the Lirazans, posted on his Facebook account Friday evening, said†“It is such an inhuman and barbaric act.†The killing of a baby with a bullet that pierced through his head, was “unforgiveable.†The baby was so healthy and cute, so well-behaved, it is so tragic that he should die that early, he said.
“It is also a breakdown of security considering that it happened in the airport which is usually full of guards and airport personnel. The head of the airport should resign and the killers should be arrested immediately,†Distrito added. (FREEMAN)