Palace orders police to heighten law enforcement amid upsurge of poll-related violence

January 23, 2019

Malacanang ordered on Wednesday the Philippine National Police (PNP) to heighten  security measures amid increasing number of election-related violence.

This as Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo condemned the attempt on the life of San Fernando, Cebu Mayor Lakambini Reluya.

The local chief executive survived the ambush on Tuesday afternoon in Talisay City, but she sustained gunshot wound in her arm. Her husband,  Ricardo “Nonoy” Reluya Jr., driver, and a staff member were killed in the incident.

"We deplore the ambush of San Fernando, Cebu Mayor Lakambini Reluya and pray for her speedy recovery," Panelo said.

He said the PNP has been directed to monitor areas considered hotspots and "to enforce the law strictly regardless of who are involved."

He noted that during the election period, "political rivalry is fever pitch resulting in the upsurge of election-related violence."

Panelo said the government could not allow "this unfortunate and standard norm" to continue.

He said the culture of violence that has characterized the electoral process will have to end.

Panelo urged the public to be vigilant and "it must put to notice law enforcement authorities on any brewing electoral violence between and among the candidates and their followers in their respective localities."

"We urge even as we warn the candidates to cease and desist employment of undemocratic and illegal methods to win for the law on accountability shall be applied to them with full force and effect," said Panelo, who is also the chief presidential legal counsel.

He stressed that President Rodrigo Duterte is committed to the holding of peaceful, honest and orderly elections in May.

"Violence is anathema to democracy and this administration will not allow nor tolerate any violence unleashed by any person or group that puts the voters and the general public at risk," the spokesman added. Celerina Monte/DMS