Cavite Governor Demands Justice for Slain Naic Political Leader

NAIC, Cavite — Cavite Governor Athena Tolentino called for swift police action following the broad daylight killing of a community leader in Naic town last Saturday, demanding accountability from local law enforcement officials.

Shackie L. Denajiba was shot dead May 24 in Barangay Sabang, Naic, in what Tolentino described as a “heartless, barbaric, heinous act.” The gunman reportedly fled on a motorcycle with an accomplice.

“Kakatapos pa lamang ng halalan. Panahon para magkaisa, hindi para maghasik ng takot at karahasan,” Tolentino said in a statement released Tuesday. “Ang ganitong uring krimen ay isang tahasang kasamaan na walang puwang sa ating lalawigan.”

The governor directly addressed Cavite PNP Provincial Director PCOL Dwight Alegre and Naic PNP Chief PTCOL Resty Soriano, calling for immediate action on the case.

“Tinatawag ko ang atensyon ng ating Cavite PNP Provincial Director PCOL Dwight Alegre at ang Hepe ng Naic PNP, PTCOL Resty Soriano sa pagkilos at pag-gampan sa kanilang tungkulin,” Tolentino said. “Dapat managot ang mga nasa likod ng krimeng ito. Hindi sapat ang pag-uulat lamang. Ang kailangan ng mga tao ay proteksyon, aksyon, at hustisya.”

Denajiba was described as a loving husband, father and son who served as a community leader in the area. The killing occurred just days after the May 2025 local elections.

Tolentino linked the incident to other recent crimes in the province, emphasizing the need for enhanced security measures.

“Itong pangyayari na ito, kasama ang ilan pang mga pagpatay at krimen sa ating probinsiya ay kailangan matigil na,” she said.

The governor appealed to both outgoing and incoming elected officials to work together following the recent elections.

“For all our honorable government officials, outgoing and incoming elected officials, personnel and supporters, let us accept and move forward from the 2025 elections, and uphold our oath to protect and serve the Caviteños,” Tolentino said.

In her statement, Tolentino invoked the words of the late Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., saying the Philippines “is worth dying for” while adding her own perspective: “But I firmly believe that there is NOTHING IN THIS WORLD WHICH IS WORTH KILLING FOR.”

The governor concluded with a challenge to prevent the case from joining the ranks of unsolved crimes.

“Will this be another one of the unsolved cases?” Tolentino asked. “Let us all work together, in unity, to keep the Province of Cavite PEACEFUL, SAFE, AND WORTH LIVING FOR.”