The Philippine National Police (PNP) denied the allegation that the arresting officer attempted to kill and abduct Lejun Dela Cruz, one of the nominees of the Magsasaka Partylist, who was previously reported missing.
This development follows the PNP’s service of two arrest warrants against Dela Cruz for a murder charge in an operation held in Cainta, Rizal, yesterday, February 2.
In a press briefing at Camp Crame on Monday, PNP Spokesperson and PRO-3 Regional Director PBGen. Jean Fajardo explained that Dela Cruz allegedly ran, drew a gun, and attempted to escape in a vehicle.
Moreover, in the course of the chase, four vehicles and a police officer were hit, with the officer reportedly suffering a fractured pelvic bone.
"Walang katotohanan na there was an assassination attempt against the life po nitong si Mr. dela Cruz," said Fajardo.
"In fact, on the contrary, siya pa po ang namutok at siya pa po ang nanagasa, at ang pulis natin na nasagasaan ayan po naka-confine po. May fracture po siya sa pelvic dahil siya ay binangga ng accused po," she added.
Fajardo disclosed that Dela Cruz is set to face multiple additional charges, including violation of the gun ban, illegal possession of firearms, multiple counts of malicious mischief, and frustrated homicide.
Dela Cruz is said to be a former commander of the Alex Boncayao Brigade, and was also allegedly involved in a gun-for-hire operation in the past.
However, it is reported that he has since rejoined the legal fold and has been working to organize farmers, workers, and local communities.
In an earlier statement released by the Magsasaka Partylist, it was claimed that Dela Cruz was abducted before being found in the custody of the police in the city of Marikina.
The Partylist reiterated that the nominee was abducted unlawfully, brutally beaten, and is currently being held in police custody under questionable circumstances.
"Magsasaka Partylist condemns in the strongest possible terms this failed extrajudicial killing and the blatant police brutality committed against Lejun Dela Cruz," Magsasaka Partylist said in a Facebook post.
"This violent attack is not only a direct assault on one of our nominees but also a grave threat to democracy and the rights of all political activists and marginalized sectors who seek to participate in the democratic process," they added.
Moreover, the Partylist called for accountability from the officers involved in the alleged ambush and demanded a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the supposed assassination attempt.
