TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite — A Cavite court has issued arrest warrants for five suspects in the 2018 killing of Trece Martires Vice Mayor Alexander Lubigan, a case that drew national attention at the height of a wave of attacks on local officials.
Branch 23 of the Regional Trial Court on Friday released the warrants for murder and frustrated murder (Criminal Case No. TMCR-29719) against Melencio “Jun” de Sagun, Melandres “Melan” de Sagun, Melandro “Andoy” de Sagun, Adrian “Og-og” dela Cruz and Luis Abad Jr.
The suspects remain at large more than seven years after Lubigan and his driver were shot dead in broad daylight near a hospital in Trece Martires on July 7, 2018.
Lubigan’s death came amid a string of killings of mayors and vice mayors across the Philippines during that period, fueling concerns over political violence.
Mayor Gemma Lubigan, the slain vice mayor’s widow, welcomed the development but urged the accused to face trial.
“If you stand by your innocence, prove it in court — not by evading justice,” she said in a statement Friday.
She added that while she respects due process and the presumption of innocence, the rule of law must prevail.
“Do not be swayed by disinformation. Choose truth and what is right. I will not stop until justice is served for Alex,” she said.
Police said efforts are ongoing to track down the suspects so they can be brought before the court.
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