Shooting at University of the Philippines Graduation Ceremony, Several Deaths Allegedly Targeted All

MANILA, KOMPAS.com – Three people died on Sunday (24/7/2022) in shooting at the University of the Philippines graduation ceremonyin what appears to be a targeted assassination.

The incident took place at Ateneo de Manila University as law students and their families arrived to attend a graduation ceremony, which will be attended by the chief justice of the Supreme Court.

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According to authorities, the former mayor of the restive southern province of Basilan Rose Furigaywhose daughter was among the graduates, was killed.

Furigay’s executive assistant and a university security guard were also killed.

The daughter of the Filipino woman politician was injured and is in a “stable condition” in hospital, police said AFP.

“We are deeply distraught and saddened by this incident,” Joy Belmonte, mayor of the local government unit where the shooting took place, told reporters. AFP.

The alleged gunman in the incident fled the scene, forcing a driver out of their vehicle, before abandoning him and continuing his journey in a jeepney, police said.

The perpetrator was eventually detained near a house of worship.

‘WE JOIN THE PEOPLE IN THEIR GRIEF’

Former Vice President Leni Robredo mourns the death of former Lamitan Mayor Rose Furigay who was killed in the shooting incident at Ateneo de Manila University on Sunday afternoon. (Facebook/Leni Robredo) pic.twitter.com/3ukdI7C0Lv

— The Philippine Star (@PhilippineStar) July 24, 2022

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The police found two pistols and silencers allegedly used by the suspect, whom they identified as Chao Tiao Yumol.

The perpetrator is said to have had a “long history” of legal disputes with Furigay. Yumol is currently on bail on charges of online defamation.

“This looks like a determined killer,” Police Brigadier General Remus Medina told reporters, describing the incident as “isolated”.

Yumol, with abrasions on his face, was presented by police to reporters.

He accused Furigay of being a “drug lord” and that his family had ordered three attacks against him.

Political dynasty

Shootings at schools and universities are rare in the Philippines despite lax gun regulations. But targeted killings of politicians are quite rampant, especially during elections.

Furigay, whose family dominates politics in Lamitan City, served three terms as mayor. He was prevented by the constitution from running for re-election in the May 9 election.

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She was succeeded by her husband, who had held the position before her.

The phenomenon is a common occurrence in the Philippines, where powerful political dynasties pass positions from one family member to another, to maintain their influence.

The university canceled the graduation ceremony due to the incident.

Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo was the guest speaker for the event, but he was still on his way to the university when the shooting occurred, a spokesman said.

The shooting took place on the eve of President Ferdinand’s first State of the Union address Marcos Jr.where he is expected to present his plans to revive the economy and tackle inflation.

Marcos Jr expressed shock at the incident, and said law enforcement agencies would “investigate this killing thoroughly and swiftly and bring all those involved to justice”.

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