Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan on Tuesday, April 29, strongly condemned the killing of Leninsky Bacud, former chairman of Barangay 435 in Sampaloc and second nominee of the Ang Bumbero ng Pilipinas (ABP) party-list and vowed swift justice and stronger security measures across the city.

“I vehemently condemn the assassination of Leninsky Bacud,” Lacuna-Pangan said in a statement. 

“My deepest condolences go to Chairman Bacud’s grieving family. The City of Manila stands with those who have served our people.”

Bacud, a known public servant and advocate for firefighter welfare, was gunned down in what authorities described as a "targeted and violent attack."

The Manila Police District (MPD) said the incident is still under investigation.

“We will do everything in our power to bring all those responsible to justice,” she said. “They will answer for the violent death of Leninsky Bacud. Hindi natin papayagang mamayani ang takot at karahasan sa ating lungsod," the mayor added.

Lacuna-Pangan said she has issued direct and urgent orders to MPD Director Brig. Gen. Benigno Guzman, to lead an intensive and impartial investigation. 

She also released a series of firm directives aimed at ensuring a swift and comprehensive investigation. 

She ordered the MPD to mobilize all available resources to fully probe Bacud’s murder. 

Beyond identifying and apprehending the gunmen, she stressed the importance of uncovering and prosecuting the masterminds, financiers, and any co-conspirators involved in the attack.

To maintain transparency and coordination, the mayor instructed police officials to provide regular updates to her office and the Commission on Elections (Comelec). 

She also emphasized the need to prioritize the protection of Bacud’s family and any potential witnesses, underscoring the city’s commitment to a safe and just process.

“This assassination does not represent who Manileños are,” Lacuna-Pangan stated firmly. 

The mayor also directed the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Manila and the Manila Peace and Order Council to tighten community safety measures, in anticipation of possible unrest amid the election season.

As part of this directive, all barangays have been instructed by the mayor to ensure that their CCTV systems, communication lines, and emergency response equipment are fully functional and staffed by trained personnel at all times.

Barangay officials were also ordered to increase patrol visibility, particularly in areas identified as election hotspots, to deter any potential acts of violence or intimidation. 

Emergency meetings with local leaders are being convened to review and reinforce existing violence-prevention protocols, including community alert systems.

To ensure full accountability, the DILG has been tasked with reporting any lapses in barangay compliance or operational readiness directly to the mayor’s office, along with recommendations for immediate corrective action.

“I call on all Manileños to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and cooperate with authorities,” she said. 

Authorities have yet to announce any suspects or motives behind Bacud’s killing.