PDP-Laban sees politics behind QC barangay official's ambush

Officials of Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) said on Wednesday that politics was behind the ambush of Barangay Bagong Silangan chairperson Crisell 'Beng' Beltran.

"Pulitika ba ang nakikita natin? Again. Sabi ko nga we don't want to speculate. But the only circumstance ay dahil kumandidato siya," PDP Laban campaign manager Mike Defensor said during a press conference in Quezon City.

On Tuesday, Beltran was aboard her SUV along JP Rizal street near Filinvest 2 at Bgy. Bagong Silangan when allegedly six male assailants on board three motorcycles approached the vehicle and opened fire at around 11:30 a.m

Beltran is running as congresswoman for Quezon City's second district.

According to Defensor, the killing of Beltran was a planned act considering that the alleged six suspects fired shots not only at the front of her SUV but also at the rear part.

"Pagkatapos noong nabangga na. Namatay na yung driver. Nilapitan (ng suspek) yung sasakyan. Binasag yung salamin at siniguradong patayin siya sa loob. Kaya ito pinagplanuhan," Defensor said.

Aside from Beltran, her driver Melchor Salita was also killed in the attack.

PDP-Laban Quezon City president Representative Vincent Crisologo said bystanders—some of them children—were also hurt and hit by bullets.

According to PDP-Laban secretary general Edwin Rodriguez, Beltran did not receive death threats prior to the incident.

Defensor appealed to President Rodrigo Duterte and the Quezon City Police to give justice to Beltran's death.

"Sana kay Pangulong Duterte, tulungan niyo po kami sa Quezon City," Defensor said. —LDF, GMA News