Ex-CamSur solon survives ambush

By Mar S. Arguelles and Paulo Papa

FORMER Camarines Sur 1st District Representative Rolando Andaya Jr., has survived an ambush staged by a still unidentified lone gunman riding a motorcycle on Tuesday (June 1) morning in Barangay Palestina, Pili, Camarines Sur.

Police report said Andaya was aboard his black Toyota Land Cruiser on his way to the site of an access road leading to the location of the proposed P500-million Camarines Sur Iconic Capitol Building in Cadlan in the same town. At around 7:00 AM while on the way to his destination, a motorcycle riding gunman overtook him and fired at his car.

Brig. General Jonnel Estomo, Bicol police chief, said in a press statement that Andaya survived the gun attack and was unharmed.

Lt. Ryan Anastacio, Pili police chief, based on eyewitnesses’ accounts, said that the unidentified suspect was alone and driving a motorcycle during the incident.

Police investigators recovered from the crime scene two spent shell from a .45 caliber pistol. Andaya’s vehicle did not suffer major damage except for two bullet holes on the passenger side, one below the side mirror and another one at the back door.

Estomo said he has directed the Camarines Sur police provincial director to conduct and through investigation to find the suspect’ identity and the motive in the attack.

He said a Special Provincial Investigation Team was created and an additional police force was dispatched to conduct the investigation and gather statements from possible witnesses.

As this developed, Andaya in a media interview said the shooting incident is politically motivated. He said the ambush happened a week after his lone police escort was removed by the Naga City Police Office without prior notice.

Andaya is the former House majority leader and former secretary of the Department of Budget and Management during the Arroyo administration.

He ran and lost as governor of Camarines Sur during the last local elections. Andaya is the archenemy of the Camarines Sur 2nd District Congressman LRay Villafuerte and his son, Gov. Migz Villafuerte.