After six years of carrying both physical and emotional scars, Cebu 1st District Board Member Lakambini "Neneth" Reluya has finally undergone surgery to remove an M16 bullet that had been embedded in her arm since surviving a deadly ambush in 2019.
The Long-Awaited Surgery
In a social media post on Thursday, November 13, 2025, Reluya revealed that the surgical procedure took place on November 12, performed by Cebu 2nd District Board Member Dr. Stanley Caminero. The decision to remove the bullet came after years of enduring recurring pain and discomfort from the foreign object lodged in her body.
The turning point occurred when Reluya visited her husband's grave during Kalag-Kalag, the traditional Filipino observance of All Saints' Day. During this emotional visit, she realized it was time to move forward and begin a new chapter in her healing journey.
Remembering the Tragic Ambush
The surgery brought back painful memories of the January 22, 2019 ambush in Barangay Linao, Talisay City that claimed the life of her husband, Ricardo "Nonoy" Reluya Jr., who served as barangay kapitan of Panadtaran. The attack also killed their driver and another companion.
Despite being wounded in the assault, Reluya miraculously survived, though she carried both the physical bullet and the emotional trauma from that fateful day. The incident sent shockwaves through the Cebu political community and raised concerns about political violence in the region.
Path to Healing and Justice
Reluya explained that the bullet had been the source of recurring physical pain she experienced over the years. Its removal represents not just physical relief but significant emotional healing as well, marking an important step in her recovery process.
However, the board member made it clear that her pursuit of justice continues unabated. She vowed to persist in seeking accountability for her husband's death and the others who lost their lives in the 2019 attack. The physical removal of the bullet doesn't mean she will forget the tragedy, but rather enables her to continue the fight for justice with renewed strength.
The successful surgery represents a milestone in Reluya's remarkable journey of survival and resilience, demonstrating her determination to overcome both physical and emotional challenges while maintaining her commitment to public service.
