A year after he was brutally murdered by armed assassins, former 2nd District Rep. Eufranio “Franny” C. Eriguel is still remembered by the people of La Union.
His widow, Rep. Sandra Y. Eriguel, continues to mourn the loss of Franny, a doctor who served as a mayor and a legislator who helped transform the second district into a vibrant area of La Union.
Franny was speaking before a barangay caucus when he was shot and killed by unknown assailants on May 12, 2018. Three of his supporters also died in the coordinated attack.
Despite the lingering pain, Sandra said she finds consolation with the outpouring of love and support shown by her friends, allies and supporters, especially during the campaign period.
“One year has passed since the brutal murder of my husband, former Congressman Eufranio C. Eriguel. This dastardly act was perpetrated by individuals whose only intention is to sow fear in our constituents,” she said.
“Though up until today, we have yet to find justice for the deaths of Congressman Franny, Patrick Manabat, Mac Roel Tubera and Bobby Ordinario, I am consoled by the outpour of support from our constituents here in the Second District of La Union,” Sandra added.
“Congressman Franny treated everyone as his family. With his vision of hope and unity, he transformed the 2nd District of La Union to what it is today. Eleven towns were united to attain a single goal, to ensure that no one is left behind,” said Eriguel.
To honor Franny’s contribution to the Second District of La Union, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved Provincial Ordinance No. 189-2019 declaring May 12 of every year as “Eufranio ‘Franny’ C. Eriguel, M.D. Day.”
Sandra, also a doctor by profession like her husband, said her family, including Agoo Mayor Stefanie Ann Y. Eriguel, is thankful to Governor Pacoy Ortega and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for issuing the ordinance.
“I implore our dear constituents, our 2nd District family, to remember Congressman Franny, who to his last day, did what he loved most, to be with the people. Let us remain hopeful that justice will soon be served, and peace may once again reign in our beloved La Union,” she said.