Wazzup Pilipinas!?
"A shocking turn of events has unfolded for Lejun Dela Cruz, the Magsasaka Partylist 3rd Partylist nominee, who was found this afternoon in Manggahan, Pasig, after a harrowing pursuit. According to his legal counsel, Atty. General Du, Dela Cruz was relentlessly chased by men in civilian clothes who claimed to be police officers. The chilling ordeal unfolded around 4:30 p.m. today, February 2.
Earlier, Magsasaka Partylist revealed that Dela Cruz's vehicle was ambushed by unidentified gunmen in Cainta, Rizal, forcing him to flee for his life. He had been missing ever since, until he was finally located and rushed for medical care in a hospital in Marikina.
Stay tuned as more details unravel in this frightening saga of political violence and intrigue. "
In a harrowing incident that has shaken the political landscape, Lejun Dela Cruz, a nominee for the Magsasaka Party-list in the 2025 midterm elections, was abducted in Cainta, Rizal on Sunday, February 2, 2025. The abduction unfolded in broad daylight, between 10:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., as two men riding a motorcycle and others in a car forcibly took Dela Cruz from a public area. The Magsasaka Party-list immediately condemned the act, urging authorities and human rights groups to take swift action.
The shocking crime has left many questioning the safety of political candidates and activists in the country, especially those with a track record of fighting for marginalized groups. The Magsasaka Party-list has been unwavering in its condemnation of this brazen attack. In their statement, they emphasized that the abduction wasn’t just a physical threat to Dela Cruz but an assault on democracy itself. The statement read, “This is a direct attack on democracy and the constitutionally-protected right to political participation and free expression. Moreso, this not only endangers the life and safety of Lejun but also instills fear among those who seek to serve the people through legitimate and democratic means.”
The motives behind the abduction remain unclear, but Dela Cruz's past provides a possible insight into why he may have been targeted. Prior to his nomination as a candidate, Dela Cruz was once part of the communist group, the Alex Boncayao Brigade. However, he later renounced his past affiliations and reintegrated into society. He has since committed himself to advocating for farmers and workers—the very people he now hopes to represent through his candidacy in the Magsasaka Party-list. His journey from radical politics to advocating for peaceful solutions for rural communities may have made him a target, especially in a politically charged environment where tensions often run high.
This abduction serves as a chilling reminder of the ongoing risks faced by those involved in politics, particularly those in grassroots movements advocating for the marginalized. Political violence is not a new phenomenon in the Philippines, and it is particularly dangerous for individuals who challenge established power structures. For candidates like Dela Cruz, the risks are all too real as they navigate a political landscape rife with intimidation and fear tactics.
The Magsasaka Party-list has made an urgent call to both the national government and law enforcement agencies to prioritize locating and ensuring the safe return of Dela Cruz. Their statement stresses that this attack is not an isolated incident but a troubling manifestation of a broader pattern of political violence that continues to threaten democracy in the country.
As the search for Dela Cruz continues, solidarity has poured in from various political and human rights groups, echoing the call for justice. The abduction has ignited a larger conversation about the need for heightened protection for political figures and activists, particularly those representing vulnerable communities. The Magsasaka Party-list has reaffirmed its commitment to its mission, despite the dangers that come with advocating for farmers and workers. They are undeterred and continue to fight for the rights of the marginalized, even in the face of intimidation.
This shocking event underscores the fragile state of political discourse in the Philippines and the urgent need for reforms to safeguard the rights of all Filipinos, especially those who dedicate themselves to public service. It is a call to action for both the government and civil society to protect the democratic process and ensure that elections remain free, fair, and without the specter of violence.
In the wake of this abduction, it is crucial for the country to stand united in defending democracy and upholding the rights of those willing to challenge the status quo. As the search for Lejun Dela Cruz intensifies, the Magsasaka Party-list has made it clear that their fight for the Filipino people will not be silenced, no matter the cost. This tragic incident is not just an attack on one individual—it is an attack on the very foundation of democracy and political freedom in the Philippines.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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