MANILA (UPDATE) - President Benigno Aquino on Monday vowed that government troops will track down New People's Army (NPA) rebels who attacked a convoy carrying Gingoog Mayor Ruthie de Lara Guingona.
Guingona, wife of former Vice-President Teofisto Guingona Jr. and mother of Senator TG Guingona, suffered serious injuries but survived the attack.
"Nabalitaan naman po natin ang pag ambush kay Ruth Guingona," Aquino said in a speech in Misamis Oriental. "Nangangako po ako na sa abot ng ating kapangyarihan at kakayahan, at sa ngalan po ng batas, mananagot po ang dapat managot. Huhulihin at dadakipin po natin ang mga taong nasa likod ng karahasang ito."
Aquino also visited Guingona in a hospital where she is recuperating.
The 78-year-old Guingona went under the knife because of injuries sustained in a clash between members of the communist group and her police escorts.
Her son said she is still in pain after she suffered fractures in her arms and legs, as well as shrapnel wounds in different parts of the body.
Guingona was on her way home from a fiesta last night when they passed an NPA checkpoint.
Her 2 aides, brothers Nestor and Bartolome Velasco, were killed.
"They alleged that they fired upon my mother because my mother breached a policy of bringing arms in their checkpoint. The persons that were carrying the arms are members of Philippine National Police," Sen. Guingona said in a press statement.
"The New People’s Army has fired upon an elderly and innocent woman who is already bowing out of politics," he said.
"We would like to remind everyone in this country that there is only one government of the Republic of the Philippines. There is only one President who is in-charge in executing the laws of this land. That is President Noynoy Aquino. He is the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. And most importantly, he is the leader of this nation. No one has the right to usurp the laws of this country," he added.
Casiño blasts NPA attack
The attack has drawn wide condemnation, including criticism from left-wing senatorial candidate and former party-list lawmaker Teddy Casiño.
"I strongly criticize the New People’s Army’s military action on Mayor Ruthie Guingona’s convoy that resulted in the death and injury of civilians. What happened is wrong and unacceptable," he said. "Civilians, especially women and the elderly, should be spared from such actions."
"Although the NPA has admitted its mistake, we expect them to make a thorough investigation, hold those responsible to account, take remedial actions and make amends to the victims’ families," he added.
"My prayers go out to Mayor Guingona and for her speedy recovery. Likewise, I condole and offer my prayers to the families of her two companions who were killed," he said.
Palace: Don't give in to NPA demands
Malacañang also condemned the NPA attack and said the Armed Forces of the Philippines is ready to protect candidates from NPA threats.
Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda asked local politicians not to give in to demands of the NPA for protection money.
"The AFP is fully aware and they have taken steps also to ensure that the politicians are spared from all these permit-to-campaign," Lacierda said.
"Those in the local [campaign] can inform us and we let our AFP units go and make sure that there are no NPA checkpoints. This is not tolerated under this system of government," he added.
Lacierda said that the government remains committed to continue peace talks with the CPP-NPA-NDF but said that the group should show its sincerity.
"It's obvious that the CPP-NPA-NDF is not interested in pursuing peace talks with us. Our position has been very, very clear. We are committed to resolving the internal armed conflicts peacefully. However, there seems to be disconnect between the Netherlands and the people on the ground," he said.
"So is it worth discussing peace with them? Certainly, we would like to pursue peace talks with them but the burden is on the CPP-NPA. If they want to do so, we will pursue peace with them. If they are not interested in pursuing peace then we will be prepared to defend our citizens." - with reports from Willard Cheng, ABS-CBN News; Primy Cane, ABS-CBN News Northern Mindanao
