Lacuna condemns killing of village chief

MANILA Mayor Honey Lacuna has strongly condemned the assassination of Leninsky Bacud, former chairman of Barangay (village) 435, Zone 44, Sampaloc district, Manila, and ordered swift action for justice.

Bacud, who was also the first nominee of the Ang Bumbero ng Pilipinas (Fireman of the Philippines) Party-list, was shot multiple times by unidentified gunmen on Monday.

"I vehemently condemn the assassination of Leninsky Bacud. My deepest condolences go to Chairman Bacud's grieving family," Mayor Lacuna said.

"The City of Manila stands with those who have dedicated their lives to serving the people. I assure the Bacud family and all Manileños that we will do everything in our power to bring all those responsible to justice," Lacuna added.

She vowed that those behind Bacud's violent death would be held accountable, emphasizing that fear and violence would not be allowed to take root in Manila.

"We will stand firm for justice and order in our city," she said.

Mayor Lacuna personally met with Manila Police District officials, including District Director BGen. Benigno Guzman, to ensure immediate and decisive action on the case.

The mayor urged all citizens of Manila to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and fully cooperate with authorities.

"Violence must have no place in a civil society. This assassination does not reflect who Manileños are, nor does it define the City of Manila," she said.