The mother of the 18-month-old boy who was killed during the assassination of Zamboanga del Sur Mayor Ukol Taluma at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport last week, said they hope to come home to Bacolod before the New Year.

Marie Ann Lirazan, 29, of Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City, whose left hand bones were fractured by a bullet, yesterday said her mother will be released from the hospital today, while her niece is doing well. However, they do not know yet if they can come home before the New Year.

Bacolod Mayor Monico Puentevella said they will take care of the problem and that he already relayed this message to the family.

“We will take care of the problem here and in Manila although I understand that NAIA will also give them support. Whatever is needed we will be there,” he said.

The Bacoleños were hit by bullets from the assassins of Talumpa, his wife and nephew, as they were waiting for their vehicle at NAIA Terminal 3.

Lirazan called for justice for the death of her son Phille Thomas Estoesta, who died instantly when a bullet pierced his head, and for help for their hospital and burial expenses.

Her mother, Amalia Lirazan, 58, was also hit in the back by a bullet that exited below her breast.

Danny Uy, father of 3-year-old Dhianne Philippe Uy, who underwent surgery for a bullet wound in the head, also called for justice and government help.

He said Bacolod Rep. Evelio Leonardia had called to inquire about their situation and to inform them that he was seeking assistance for them from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

Leonardia condemned the assassination of Ukol that victimized innocent bystanders.

He said he had spoken to PCSO General Manager Jose Ferdinand Rojas and Assistant General Manager Liza Gabuyo, who assured him of assistance for the Lirazans and Uy.

Leonardia, in his letter to Rojas, said that since the incident happened in a government public facility, “We have, at the very least, the moral obligation to help these victims.”

He said he will also bring the matter to the attention of Catanduanes Rep. Caesar Sarmiento, chairman of the House Committee on Transportation, because he believes the security protocol in country's airports should be reviewed.*CGS

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