By: Johann Hein B. Arpon
Posted Jan. 28, 2007, 3:04 p.m.

The Spokesperson of the regional chapter of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) in Eastern Visayas survived an assassination attempt yesterday, Jan. 27.

At around 8:15 p.m., Flor “Pong” Acbo, 54, was shot by unidentified assassins right in front of the BAYAN-EV office in Philippine Homes & Housing Corporation (PHHC) in Tacloban, city capital of Leyte province. The motorcycle-riding assassins, however, missed their target and instead hit a bystander on the leg.

In an interview, Acbo told Bulatlat the incident has failed to douse his conviction. “I condemn the cowardly attempt on my life. This just shows how effective my work in exposing anomalies in government as well the abuses being perpetrated by the military. Instead of being cowed, this would strengthen my conviction to fight for the rights of the oppressed,” he said.

The police have yet to complete their investigation. (Bulatlat.com)