Magsasaka Partylist third nominee Lejun Dela Cruz in police custody. Handout/Magsasaka Partylist

MANILA — The Philippine National Police on Monday denied that there was an assassination attempt against Magsasaka Party-List nominee and former commander of the Alex Boncayao Brigade, Lejun dela Cruz, who was found after reportedly going missing on Sunday.

“Wala pong katotohanan na there was an assassination attempt against the life po nitong si Mr. Dela Cruz but on the contrary, siya pa po ang namutok at siya pa po ang nanagasa,” said PNP Spokesperson PBGen. Jean Fajardo.

Magsasaka Partylist nominee found after alleged police beating, gunfire attack

Fajardo said that what transpired was a legitimate police operation to serve Dela Cruz two warrants of arrest for murder and that he drew his gun first.

“No’ng ise-serve po ‘yong warrant of arrest sa kanya ay tumakbo po ito at bumunot po ng baril. Sumakay po sa kaniyang sasakyan at hinabol po ng ating mga kapulisan,” she added.

During the chase, Dela Cruz's vehicle collided with four other vehicles, including a motorcycle.

A police officer also sustained a fractured pelvic and was confined in a hospital.

According to Fajardo, after the chase, the arresting officers finally caught Dela Cruz and read him his Miranda rights.

“Maayos siyang kinausap no’ng mga pulis natin, binasahan siya ng kaniyang miranda rights, na siya ay may karapatan na kumuha ng abogado at sagutin ang mga reklamo sa kaniya,” Fajardo said. 

The official added that police personnel do not wear uniforms during such operations to prevent compromise.  

“Normal po, ang mga kooperatiba naman po, kapag nagkakaroon tayo ng mga discrete police operation, remember this is a service of warrant. Kapag malayo pa lang ay naka-uniporme na ‘yan ay masusunog na agad po ‘yong trabaho. What is important is no’ng siya ay inaresto ay nagpakilala ‘yong ating mga police at meron din pong backup na naka-uniporme po ‘yan,” Fajardo said.

Dela Cruz was the former commander of the Alex Boncayao Brigade, which, according to the PNP, was involved in gun-for-hire activities.

A .45 caliber pistol, along with other evidence, was recovered from him.

Dela Cruz, who was detained at the Marikina Custodial Facility, would face several charges, including frustrated homicide, violation of the gun ban, illegal possession of firearms, and multiple counts of malicious mischief.