Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos on Saturday (25 November) assured a female student of St.Paul University – Tuguegarao who was shot and severely beaten by a spurned suitor inside their campus, that he will see to it that justice will be served, and that the suspect will be dealt with in accordance with the law.
Abalos made the promise after personally visiting the victim Althea Vivien Mendoza, who remains confined in the hospital where she is recuperating from the injuries she sustained during the vicious attack.
To recall, Mendoza who is a third-year Medical Technology student was shown in a now-viral video being roughed up before being shot and left for dead inside their school campus by the suspect, Kristian Rafael Ramos.
During the visit, Abalos conveyed to Althea and her family that aside from him, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. was also sending his wishes for her immediate full recovery while also assuring her and her family's safety.
He also said he has already instructed the Philippine National Police to provide protection and security to them.
"Kaya ako nagpunta rito para dalawin ang pamilya ni Althea at tiyakin na mabibigyan ng katarungan ang nangyari sa kanya , and to assure the family of their security," Abalos said during the press briefing.
In an earlier statement, Abalos said that he was terribly upset and appalled after watching the video which prompted him to personally monitor the case and ensure that justice is done.
He likewise reported that the DILG is already coordinating with the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office to help with the huge medical bills incurred by the victim after her operation.
The suspect is now facing charges of frustrated murder and violation of the Omnibus Election Code.
During his Tuguegarao visit, Abalos also administered the oath-taking of around 500 newly-elected Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials in the city.
In his message, he urged the winning village and youth officials to support the Buhay Ingatan, Droga'y Ayawan program, the government's flagship campaign against illegal drugs.
He also visited Police Regional Office 2 headquarters and led the awarding of medals giving recognition to outstanding PNP personnel in the region.
Abalos was joined during the visit by Undersecretary Odilon Pasaraba and Regional Director Agnes De Leon.
