MANILA – La Union Rep. Eufranio ''Franny'' Eriguel, a supporter of presidential bet Vice President Jejomar Binay, survived a bomb attack on their convoy that left several people injured.

The convoy had just left the house of Eriguel in Sta. Barbara, Agoo, La Union when it came across a motorcycle which later exploded.

Eriguel, who was on board a SUV, survived the blast. The van tailing the SUV was badly hit, leaving four passengers and driver Jovanie Cacayuran injured.

The injured victims were rushed to La Union Medical Center for treatment.

Police said an improvised explosive device was used in the attack.

“Malakas talaga yung ginamit na bomba dito.. Kasi totally wrecked yung van… tsaka yung motorsiklo talagang wasak… kaya pati mga malalapit na bahay talaga narinig,'' said Supt. Artemio Infante, La Union Police's public information officer.

Eriguel condemned the attack, saying: ''Iyung gumawa niyan duwag siya.. Hindi nag-iisip… hindi siya tao… demonyo yung gumawa niyan… Hindi ko maintindihan bakit may ganyang kalokohan… Bakit idadamay pa yung mga supporters ko na walang kamuwang muwang… Nagagalit ako kasi may mga pamilya yung mga supporters ko."

Eriguel's wife, Sandra, is running for Congress, while his daughter Stephanie, is running for mayor.

VP BINAY CONDEMNS ATTACK

Vice President and presidential candidate Jejomar Binay condemned the attack on his supporters and expressed concern for Eriguel.

He said since the start of campaign, known leaders and candidates of UNA (United Nationalist Alliance) have been harassed. He lamented that authorities have yet to take concrete actions to make accountable those who planned and carried out the crime.

"The harassment of the political opposition bodes ill for our electoral process and our democracy. Such intolerance for political dissent must not be encouraged or tolerated by government inaction. While we condemn these acts of harassment against UNA, let us pray for peace in our land," Binay said.

UNA likewise denounced the near-fatal attempt to kill Eriguel.

"We strongly condemn the bombing of Cong. Eriguel's convoy that killed two of his staff and hurt four others. We regard this unfortunate incident as an affront to the peace-loving people of La Union. At this time, Vice President Binay’s thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims," UNA spokesperson Mon Ilagan said.

UNA also urged the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Philippine National Police to exert efforts to avert such incidents and broaden their intelligence network to prevent bloodshed in the coming elections.

"These acts of violence targeting political opponents are deplorable and appalling. The attempt on the life of Cong. Eriguel only shows the barbarity and ruthless nature of the perpetrators who have no regard for law or life," he added.

Three weeks ago, UNA gubernatorial bet and Marawi City Mayor Sultan Fahad "Pre" Salic, husband of UNA senatorial candidate Alma Moreno, and his driver were ambushed in Cagayan de Oro City.

Last March, UNA youth leader Eman Peña of Calauan, Laguna was killed when the vehicle of Mayor Buenafrido Berris was attacked by still unidentified armed men.

Peña is the fourth UNA member killed since the start of the campaign, following the assassination of Sto. Tomas, Batangas councilor Damasino Mabilangan Jr., former Pangutaran, Sulu mayor Ahmad Nanoh and former Banisilan, North Cotabato mayor Floro Allado.