Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 23) — The longtime aide of former Makati Mayor Junjun Binay has died.
This was confirmed by Binay in a statement Saturday.
“Kagabi pumanaw ang ating kaibigan, si Monette Bernardo [Last night, our friend Monette Bernardo died]. Monette succumbed last night to the gunshot wound she suffered when she was attacked by an unidentified assailant last Thursday,” Binay said.
Binay said his family is mourning the death of Bernardo, whom he described as a “kind, generous, and compassionate soul.”
“The sadness and pain we feel today is indescribable; but it is matched by our resolve to secure justice for Monette and her loved ones. Hindi ka namin malilimutan [We will not forget you], Monette. We will not rest until those behind this tragedy are held accountable for this unforgivable crime.”
The police said Bernardo was shot by one of two assailants on a motorcycle in Barangay Olympia on Thursday night. She sustained a gunshot wound in her right hand that went through her abdomen.
Binay said he was not aware of Bernardo having any enemies, but raised the possibility the attack was related to the upcoming elections.
Binay is running for Makati mayor opposite his sister, incumbent Mayor Abby Binay.
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.
