Infanta Mayor Filipina Grace America
QPPO forms task group on lady mayor’s ambush
LUCENA CITY – Following the broad daylight ambush of Infanta, Quezon Mayor Filipina Grace America on Monday, the Quezon Police Provincial Office (QPPO) immediately formed a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG).
Quezon Police director Col. Joel Villanueva who chairs the SITG said they have started doing a thorough investigation on the case to find out the brains behind the failed ambush.
“We have started backing [track] the CCTV camera footages in the area while gathering information and looking for possible witnesses,” said Villanueva over the phone.
He said all the offices composing the SITG are conducting a parallel investigation on the case.
Asked about the possibility that the ambush had something to do with local politics as alleged by some sectors, Villanueva said, “It’s too early to conclude.”
But Villanueva expressed optimism that the incident will be resolved soon.
America, 60, sustained a single gunshot wound in the right arm after the car she was riding was peppered with bullets by still unidentified assailants.
The Infanta mayor was rushed to Claro M. Recto Hospital but was later airlifted to Medical City. Her doctor said she is in stable condition.
Shortly after learning of the incident, elements of Infanta Police Station led by Maj. Francis Aldrich Garcia immediately launched a pursuit operation against the fleeing assailants and alerted all the police and military units in the adjacent towns.
Responding policemen recovered from the crime scene two slugs and six spent shells.
America, who is now in her 21st year as mayor and running against Eriberto Escueta (Nationalist People’s Coalition) and Ednon Verano (Independent).
This is the fourth time that America and Escueta are competing for the mayoralty post.
