Kinondena ng Magsasaka Party-list (MPL) ang ginawa umanong pagdukot sa isa sa mga nominee nitong si Lejun Dela Cruz sa Cainta, Rizal.
Sa pahayag na inilabas ng MPL nitong Linggo, Pebrero 2, isinalaysay nila ang nangyari bago ang naturang insidente.
“This morning, at around 10:30 am to 11:00 am in Cainta, Rizal, unidentified persons riding two (2) motorcycles and a grey-colored sedan opened fire on the vehicle of one of our nominees, Lejun Dela Cruz. Lejun was able to flee the scene but was chased by the unidentified gunmen and is still missing as of this writing,” pahayag ng MPL.
“MAGSASAKA Partylist strongly condemns this brazen and deplorable act,” pagpapatuloy nila. “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.”
Kaya naman nanawagan ang MPL sa mga awtoridad, law enforcement agencies, at human rights groups na magsagawa ng agarang aksyon upang mahanap si Lejun.
“The government must demonstrate its commitment to upholding justice by swiftly investigating this criminal act, identifying the perpetrators, and ensuring they are held accountable,” dugtong pa nila.
Matatandaang si Lejun ay dating kasapi ng Alex Boncayao Brigade ngunit kalaunan ay nagbalik-loob sa gobyerno upang tulungan ang mga magsasaka, komunidad, at manggagawa na mag-organisa.