The Catholic bishop of Infanta in the province of Quezon condemned the attempt on the life of Infanta town mayor Filipina Grace America on Sunday, February 27.
Bishop Bernardino Cortez of the Prelature of Infanta called on the faithful to pray for the mayor and for justice to prevail.
“May justice prevail in this wicked crime,” said the prelate, adding that “conflicts and indifference can never be resolved by violence. Instead, will create division amongst the people.”
Media reports said the mayor was on her way from a religious service at the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) chapel when the attack happened.
Quezon Governor Danilo Suarez was quoted as saying that America, who was at the front seat of the vehicle, sustained a bullet wound on her right arm.
“She is in stable condition and will be airlifted to Manila for further treatment,” Suarez said on Sunday.
In a Facebook post, the Municipal Government of Infanta said aside from Mayor America, no other persons were hurt in the gun attack.
The local government of Infanta denounced the shooting and urged witnesses to coordinate with the police.
America is a known opponent of the controversial Kaliwa Dam project, which is also being opposed by the Catholic Church in Infanta.
American is again running for mayor of Infanta in the May 9 elections. – with a report from CBCP News
