MANILA - Former Vice President Jejomar Binay announced Friday that he would give a P1-million reward for information that would lead to assailants behind the shooting of a long-time family friend.

In a statement, Binay sought prayers for Monaliza "Monette" Bernardo, longtime executive assistant of his son, former Makati Mayor Junjun Binay, who remains in hospital after sustaining gunshot wounds in an attack past 8 p.m. Thursday.

"Umaasa ako na mananaig ang katotohanan at katarungan, at makilala ang nasa likod ng karumaldumal na gawaing ito. Handa akong magbigay ng pabuya na P1 milyon para sa anumang impormasyon na magtuturo sa mga nasa likod ng krimen," said Binay.

(I am hopeful that truth and justice will prevail, and that we will be able to identify who are behind this heinous act. I am ready to give a P1-million reward for any information that would lead to those behind this crime.)

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

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 called on Makati residents to remain calm amid speculation that the shooting of Bernardo, "a close and loyal family friend for over three decades," had to do with politics.

"Nananawagan din ako sa mga kababayan ko sa Makati na maging mahinahon. Pakiusap ko po sa lahat na huwag na nating painitin ang sitwasyon sa mga haka-haka at ispekulasyon," said Binay.

(I am calling on my constituents in Makati to be calm. My appeal to all is to avoid escalating the situation by rumors and speculation.)

"Maaaring may mga nais gamitin ang insidenteng ito upang isulong ang kanilang pansariling interes at lumikha ng kaguluhan," he added.

(There might be some who would use this incident to advance their personal interest and sow chaos.)

As he condemned the violent act, Binay said there should be no space for anger at this time as he called for prayers for Bernardo's recovery.

Binay is running as Representative of the first district of Makati. His children, former Mayor Junjun Binay and the incumbent Mayor Abigail Binay, are battling for the mayoralty in Makati City, where the family has held power since 1986.