A former barangay chairman, the second nominee of Ang Bumbero ng Pilipinas (ABP) Party-list, was fatally shot by two motorcycle-riding assailants near his home in Sampaloc, Manila, on Monday night, April 28.
According to the initial reports, the victim, ABP Partylist second nominee Leninsky Bacud, former chief of Barangay 435, Sampaloc, had just alighted from his sports utility vehicle (SUV) on P. Guevarra Street around 5:35 p.m. when he was shot by the suspects onboard a black motorcycle.
The Manila Police District (MPD) said the suspects were wearing helmets with Angkas logos.
Bacud sustained multiple gunshot wounds. He was declared dead on arrival at the University of Santo Tomas Hospital.
In a closed circuit television (CCTV), the assailants were seen exchanging fire with a responding police officer who lived nearby before fleeing the scene.
Authorities confirmed that the police officer is assigned to the Quezon City Police District (QCPD). He sustained gunshot wounds in the leg during the incident.
The suspects managed to escape onboard a motorcycle immediately after the attack.
Witnesses reported seeing them speed off toward Lacson Avenue in Sampaloc, Manila.
Investigations revealed that Bacud was with ABP’s first nominee Jose Antonio Goitia shortly before the incident.
They had just parted ways to return to their respective homes when the attack occurred.
Maj. Philipp Ines, chief of the Manila Police District Public Information Office, said that an investigation and hot pursuit operation are ongoing to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.
He also said that police are monitoring hospitals and clinics in the city for any individuals seeking treatment for gunshot wounds.
Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan strongly condemned the killing.
“I vehemently condemn the assassination of Leninsky Bacud,” Lacuna-Pangan said in a statement.
“My deepest condolences go to Chairman Bacud’s grieving family. The City of Manila stands with those who have served our people.”
Bacud, a known public servant and advocate for firefighter welfare, was gunned down in what authorities described as a “targeted and violent attack.”
“We will do everything in our power to bring all those responsible to justice,” she said. “They will answer for the violent death of Leninsky Bacud. Hindi natin papayagang mamayani ang takot at karahasan sa ating lungsod,” the mayor added.
Lacuna-Pangan said she has issued direct and urgent orders to MPD Director Brig. Gen. Benigno Guzman, to lead an intensive and impartial investigation.
She ordered the MPD to mobilize all available resources to fully probe Bacud’s murder.
Beyond identifying and apprehending the gunmen, she stressed the importance of uncovering and prosecuting the masterminds, financiers, and any co-conspirators involved in the attack.
To maintain transparency and coordination, the mayor instructed police officials to provide regular updates to her office and the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
She also emphasized the need to prioritize the protection of Bacud’s family and any potential witnesses, underscoring the city’s commitment to a safe and just process.
“This assassination does not represent who Manileños are,” Lacuna-Pangan stated firmly. (Diann Ivy Calucin)
