Magsasaka Party-list nominee survives assasination attempt, abduction

Magsasaka Party-list nominee Lejun Dela Cruz is now safe and receiving treatment at the hospital after surviving an assassination attempt and alleged abduction in Cainta, Rizal on Sunday, Feb. 2.

According to the Magsasaka Party-list, unidentified persons in civilian clothes riding two motorcycles and a grey-colored sedan opened fire on the vehicle carrying Dela Cruz at around 11 am in Cainta, Rizal.

It was added that Dela Cruz managed to escape, but he was chased by the men on motorcycles and in the sedan, and he remained missing until Sunday afternoon.

According to reports, the sedan driver shouted at Dela Cruz, claiming to be a police officer. Dela Cruz then surrendered, was handcuffed, and was forced to the ground.

On Sunday evening, TikTok content creator and vice president of the National Federation of Labor, Eli San Fernando, confirmed that Dela Cruz is alive. 

“Buhay si Lejun Dela Cruz! Si Lejun Dela Cruz ay malapit kong kaibigan at kasama na nakikipaglaban para sa karapatan ng mga manggagawa at maliliit na Pilipino. Sinubukan syang ipatumba kaninang umaga pero nakaligtas at ngayon ginagamot sa hospital. Ipoproseso siya ngayon sa Marikina Police Station (Lejun Dela Cruz Is Alive! Lejun Dela Cruz is a close friend and a comrade in the fight for the rights of workers and ordinary Filipinos. An attempt was made on his life this morning, but he survived and is now receiving treatment at the hospital. He is now set to be processed at Marikina Police Station),” San Fernando said.

However, he added that Dela Cruz was arrested even though he was the one who was ambushed.

"Siya na ang inambush, siya pa ang hinuli! Hindi kami tatahimik! Lalaban kami at mag-iingay pa lalo (He was ambushed, yet he was the one arrested! We will not be silent! We will fight and make even more noise!)," he said.

Meanwhile, the Marikina City Police clarified that Dela Cruz was arrested in Pasig due to a 1992 warrant issued by a Las Piñas court for a murder charge.

The party-list, on the other hand, said it strongly condemns the brazen and deplorable act. 

“This is a direct attack on democracy and the constitutionally-protected right to political participation and free expression. Moreso, this not only endangers the life and safety of Lejun but also instills fear among those who seek to serve the people through legitimate and democratic means,” it stated.

“The government must demonstrate its commitment to upholding justice by swiftly investigating this criminal act, identifying the perpetrators, and ensuring they are held accountable,” it added.

It also said, “We also call on the general public to remain vigilant and resolute in condemning acts of political harassment and violence. The abduction of one is an attack to all who believe in justice and freedom.”

Dela Cruz is a former stalwart of the Alex Boncayao Brigade but has since returned to the folds of the law to organize farmers, workers, and communities, the party-list said.

Dela Cruz will be turned over to the Las Piñas Police Station, police said.