Aquino vows to bring to justice suspects in the ambush of Gingoog mayor

President Benigno Aquino III on Monday vowed to bring to justice perpetrators in the ambush that wounded Gingoog City Mayor Ruth Guingona and killed two of her staff in Misamis Oriental.

"Nangangako po ako, sa abot ng ating kapangyarihan at kakayahan, at sa ngalan po ng batas, mananagot po ang dapat managot (I promise, to the best of my ability and power, and in the name of the law, those responsible in the ambush would be held accountable)," the President said during his meeting with local leaders and the community held at the Jose Pelaez Roa Park in Balingasag, Misamis Oriental.

"Hahabulin at dadakipin po natin ang mga taong nasa likod ng karahasang ito (We will go after the perpetrators of this violent act)," he stressed.

Guingona is the wife of former Vice President Teofisto Guingona Jr. and the mother of Sen. Teofisto "TG" Guingona III.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte earlier said the government does not condone any form of violence against any official, including those who are running for this year's mid-term elections.

Malacanang also gave its condolences to the families of Guingona's aides, brothers Bartolome and Nelson Velasco, who were killed in the incident.

On the other hand, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) lashed out at the New People's Army (NPA), who claimed responsibility over the incident.

AFP spokesman Colonel Arnulfo Burgos, in a statement, said the attack on Guingona proves the criminal nature of NPA.

"Despite their projection of being a pro-people armed group, their actions reflect their continuous violence and consistent disrespect of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law," said Burgos.

The AFP together with the Philippine National Police (PNP) have combined efforts in the pursuit operation against those behind the incident. (PNA)