By Rodolfo Dacleson II
(February 3, 2025) – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday refuted claims that it allegedly abducted and attempted to assassinate a nominee of a party-list running in this year’s midterm elections.
On Sunday, Magsasaka Party-list claimed that its third nominee, Lejun Dela Cruz, was abducted, beaten, and detained for “questionable circumstances” by police officers.
It added that the police officers, who were in civilian clothes, repeatedly fired at Dela Cruz, forcing him to flee. They also allegedly did not show an arrest warrant.
“Walang katotohanan na (may) assassination attempt against the life of Mr. Dela Cruz. Siya pa ang namutok (ng baril) at siya pa ang nanagasa. At ang pulis natin na sinasagaan, naka-confine dahil may fracture sa pelvis,” said PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo in a media briefing at Camp Crame.
She maintained that the PNP wanted to arrest Dela Cruz for a murder case in Las Piñas in 1992, adding that the police officers were not wearing uniforms because it was a “discreet operation.”
“This is a service of warrant. If our personnel are in uniform, the operation can be botched. What’s important ay noong siya ay inaresto, nagpakilala ‘yung ating mga pulis at meron din mga backup na naka-uniporme,” added Fajardo.
The police officers reportedly apprehended Dela Cruz in Pasig after chasing him from Cainta, Rizal. He was placed under the custody of the Eastern Police in Marikina and will be turned over to Las Piñas Police.
He will face charges for violation of the election gun ban, illegal possession of firearms, malicious mischief, and frustrated homicide.
Magsasaka Party-list earlier reported that Dela Cruz was missing after being abducted by two men on motorcycles and another group aboard a car. The party-list later reported that Dela Cruz was found in a hospital in Marikina, where he was being treated for his injuries after escaping the alleged assassination attempt.
He is a former commander of the Alex Boncayo Brigade, a unit of the New People’s Army. He later defected from the group and became an advocate for farmers and laborers.
Human rights groups have criticized the PNP for allegedly targeting activists.
A report by Human Rights Watch in 2024 noted that attacks against activists have persisted under Pres. Bongbong Marcos Jr., primarily through red-tagging.
(PM)
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