Former Mayor Evelio Leonardia with ex-Lamitan Mayor Rose Furigay last month when he delivered his valedictory address as LCP president*
Former Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia on Sunday, July 24, extended his prayers and condolences to the family of former mayor Rose Furigay of Lamitan City in Basilan province.
Furigay, her aide Victor Capistrano and a certain Bandiola Jeneven died in a shooting incident at Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City on 2:55 p.m. Sunday afternoon, while the suspect, a doctor, has been apprehended, the Philippine News Agency reported.
Her 25-year-old daughter Hanna Rose, who was supposed to graduate from the Ateneo law school Sunday was wounded.
The National Capital Region Police Office identified the alleged shooter as Dr. Chao Tiao Yumol, 38, of Basilan.
Leonardia, former League of Cities of the Philippines president, said in a statement that Furigay will be sorely missed.
“I have always admired Mayor Rose for being a public servant to the bone. She was a bit timid during LCP events but always had a clear political vision and, more importantly, the will to get things done,” he said.
Furigay was a silent worker and a pleasant colleague, he said, adding that she was part of the LCP National Board as representative of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
“I am sure that the City of Lamitan feels this loss deeply. She dedicated so much of her life to the city, and did everything in her power to turn her vision of an efficient, responsive, meaningful local governance.
Mayor Furigay may be gone, but she will always be testament to peace and development,” he added.*