Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 22) — The long-time executive assistant of Makati mayoral candidate Junjun Binay remains in critical condition Friday after a gunman shot her in front of her home in Makati City.
The police said Monaliza “Monet” Bernardo was shot by one of two assailants on a motorcycle in Barangay Olympia on Thursday night. She sustained a gunshot in her right hand that went through her abdomen.
“According to her family, Monet’s doctors are doing everything in their power to help her recover from her serious injuries,” Binay said in a statement.
Initial police report said Bernardo had just arrived from work and was about to enter the gate of her house when the incident happened. In a CCTV footage released to the media, the suspect was seen shooting Bernardo once before escaping with an accomplice. The victim was immediately rushed to the hospital.
Binay said that based on his personal knowledge, his aide has no enemies.
He raised the possibility that the attack is related to the upcoming local elections. Binay is running against his sister, incumbent Makati Mayor Abby Binay.
“This unsolved murder and the timing of Monet’s attack – just one week before the start of the campaign period for local candidates, and right after the Court of Appeals upheld its ruling that cleared me of administrative charges involving the Makati City Hall Parking Building – lend credence to suspicions that the attack is politically motivated, and meant to intimidate those who have committed to support my candidacy as Makati City mayor,” he said.
Mayor Abby Binay said she has ordered the police to investigate the attack. She also ordered the village chiefs to submit security footage that will help authorities find the perpetrators.
“Tahimik at payapa kami dito sa Makati. Hindi ako papayag na sirain ito ng mga gustong manggulo sa aming lungsod,” she said in a statement.
[Translation:It’s peaceful here in Makati. I won’t allow those who want to sow trouble to ruin the peace in our city]
Meantime, former Vice President Jejomar Binay has already offered a ₱1 million bounty for anyone who could give information that could lead to the culprit’s arrest.
