Press Release
August 14, 2012

KOKO CONDEMNS ASSASSINATION TRY ON GOVERNOR

Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III condemned today "in the strongest possible terms" an attempt to assassinate Surigao del Norte Gov. Sol Matugas Monday morning, August 13.

"This dastardly attempt on the life of Governor Matugas is yet another painful reminder that going into public service in our country may entail putting one's own life in peril," said Pimentel.

"I am thankful that Governor Matugas survived this harrowing experience, but I feel for the two members of her security detail, as well as for a court security guard, who sustained gunshot wounds from that bloody incident."

The senator who hails from Mindanao also commended the two policemen assigned to secure Governor Matugas for the "exemplary bravery they showed in putting themselves in the line of fire" of the assassin.

Pimentel urged the police to get to the bottom of the incident to determine whether it was just the act of one man or one committed with the help of others.

He said the police must determine whether it was politically motivated or whether it was the handiwork of those affected by the lady governor's crusade against crimes, especially on the sale of illegal drugs.

After the morning flag ceremony at the capitol grounds, Governor Matugas took shelter from the rains at the Bulwagan ng Katarungan when the gunman appeared, fired a warning shot and then took aim at the governor.

Her security, PO2 Ronnie Goles, immediately covered and embraced the governor. Goles sustained gunshot wounds in his neck, back and right upper arm.

Another security detail, PO2 Jerson Uindulman, was hit in the lower left leg, while court security Reymar Quiñones was hit in the arm and back.

Wearing a white barong, Lapac was armed with a caliber .45 pistol which he drew from a bag moments before the assault.

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