Injured	Killed
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Date: 24 April 2013
Source: http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php/news/top-stories/49183-2nd-lp-martyr-in-san-pablo

THE spate of political killings and shootings victimizing leaders of Liberal Party mayoralty candidate Atty. Hizon Arago continues.

In the wee hours of April 24, 2013,  Joselito Ilagan,  57, was shot  and killed by assassins while driving his tricycle on Green Valley Avenue, Calihan, San Pablo City, Laguna.

An uncle of Liberal Party vice mayoralty candidate Martin Ilagan, the victim was shot and
killed 100 meters from the spot where just a few weeks ago, another Liberal party supporter was shot and critically injured. 

According to initial police reports, a single bullet felled the victim, with entry point on the left temple, exiting on the right side of the neck, and with a downward trajectory.  Ilagan’s tricycle was later found bloodied somewhere in Tiaong, Quezon. Ilagan’s killing happened just 100 meters from the house of Atty. Arago’s residence.  Ilagan was a staunch supporter of the Arago-Ilagan tandem and was a campaign organizer of tricycle operators and drivers associations (TODA) all over San Pablo City.  Thousands of tricycle drivers and operators have been attending caucuses sponsored by the Liberal Party in San Pablo.

Just last April 4, 2013, Liberal Party San Pablo leader Ronald Acbang, a kagawad from Barangay San Crispin, was killed, while another supporter, Rardine Mercado, was seriously injured.  The assassins were riding in tandem.

This was not the first time that supporters of Arago and his family had been killed. Last year, Arago’s personal driver — who used to work for San Pablo Mayor Vic Amante — was also shot dead by men on motorcycle.

Arago is the father of 3rd district Laguna Rep. Maria Evita Arago. He is running against San Pablo City administrator Amben Amante, son of Mayor Amante.

In a press statement, Atty. Arago lambasted the unabated political violence against his supporters.

“The cry for justice for our fallen party members and supporters strengthens my resolve to fight for San Pablo. As me and my family grieve with the family of Joselito, an uncle of my Vice-Mayor Martin Ilagan, let us continue to be steadfast in fighting for change in our beloved San Pablo.  The Liberal Party in San Pablo will not waver to rid our city of senseless political killings, violence and high-profile crimes.” he said.

The Amantes of San Pablo have been linked to killings in the past, allegedly caused by narcopolitics in the city.        

In 2012, Edwin Amante, younger brother of Mayor Amante, was linked to the killing of Laguna Board Member Reynaldo Paras and his bodyguard-driver, Geovanni Dumaraos.  Paras supposedly asked for help from the police before they were killed, because they received death threats from Edwin Amante.        

Media reports point to narcopolitics as the cause of political violence in the city. 

Already caught by authorities as part of the Amante Drug Group include Joel Amante, Michael Amante, Minda Amante, Damaso Amante, Edwin Amante and Gener Amante Jr. 

They were caught in separate operations of the Regional Anti-Illegal Drug-Regional Special Operation Task Group and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency. 

They are relatives of Mayor Vic Amante and city administrator Amben Amante and their cases have not been heard of for quite sometime already.

Amben Amante is running under United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) for mayor against Atty. Arago who is the Liberal Party candidate in San Pablo.       Mia Billones