Junjun Binay's long-time aide dies from gunshot wound

MANILA - Former Makati Mayor Junjun Binay's long-time aide passed away Friday after being shot at her home the night before.

In a Facebook post Saturday, Binay said Monaliza "Monette" Bernardo succumbed to gunshot wounds she sustained in an attack Thursday night.

"Kagabi pumanaw ang ating kaibigan, si Monette Bernardo (Last night, our friend, Monette Bernardo, passed away). Monette succumbed last night to the gunshot wound she suffered when she was attacked by an unidentified assailant last Thursday," Binay said.

"No words can describe this tragic loss. Monette was a kind, generous, and compassionate soul whose friendship I treasured and valued deeply," he said.

Unidentified assailants shot Bernardo, 44, at her home in Barangay Olympia, Makati City shortly after arriving home from a campaign meeting on Thursday.

The assailants, both wearing helmets, fled on a motorcycle towards South Avenue.

Bernardo sustained gunshots that pierced through her right hand, hitting her abdomen. She was rushed to the Makati Medical Center and underwent surgery.

Police recovered an empty shell of a .45 pistol at the crime scene. Witnesses said they saw the assailants monitoring the area before the incident.

Binay, whose family had known Bernardo for three decades, sent love and prayers to the loved ones left behind.

"The sadness and pain we feel today is indescribable; but it is matched by our resolve to secure justice for Monette and her loved ones," he said.

"Hindi ka namin malilimutan, Monette (We will never forget you, Monette). We will not rest until those behind this tragedy are held accountable for this unforgivable crime," he added.

Binay's father, former Vice-President Jejomar Binay, on Friday announced that he would give a P1-million reward for information that would lead to assailants behind Bernardo's slay.

• Ex-VP Jejomar Binay offers P1-million reward for info on aide's shooting

The younger Binay, who is seeking a return to the post, earlier said the attack could be politically motivated.

"Mabait po siya na tao, walang po siyang kaaway, kaya nalulungkot po ako na baka nadamay siya sa laban ko sa pulitika. Sana naman ay hindi," he said.

(She is a good person. She has no enemies. I am saddened she could have been caught in the crossfire in my bid for office. I hope not.)

The younger Binay is running against his sister, incumbent Makati Mayor Abigail Binay, in the upcoming elections. The family has held power in Makati City, the country's business capital, since 1986.