MANILA — A party-list representative representing the penal system was ambushed, as he was about to enter his house in Marikina City last Saturday (December 11).
A lone gunman shot Rep. Ranulfo Canonigo, who was seated in his van in front of his house, waiting for the vehicle to enter the garage of his residence in Fairlane Subdivision in Barangay (village) Concepcion Uno. His stepson was driving the vehicle.
Canonigo just came from the airport after arriving from Zamboanga del Norte.
According to the police, the gunman opened the car door on his side and pointed the gun at him. Canonigo reportedly tried to grapple for the gun but the assailant was quick to fire. He sustained wounds in the neck, back and thighs.
Three more men accompanied his attacker. They all escaped on two motorcycles.
The sixty-two-year-old Canonigo, who represents the Kapatiran ng mga Nakulong na Walang Sala (Kakusa) was rushed to St. Mathew’s Hospital. He was later transferred to Saint Luke’s Medical Center in Taguig where he is now in stable condition.
Police recovered two .45 caliber slugs at the crime scene.
In an interview with the police, Canonigo reportedly said the shooting could be related to his work as a lawmaker. But he refused to answer if he has a suspect in mind.
Police said Canonigo saw his assailant at close range. The congressman’s driver and aide were unable to provide them with clear descriptions of the attackers.
Canonigo is on his second term as a congressman. According to reports, Kakusa’s chairman emeritus is convicted child rapist and former Zamboanga del Norte congressman Romeo Jalosjos.
