PNP monitoring candidates allegedly linked to ”guns, goons and gold”

February 20, 2019

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said they have a watchlist of politicians who are allegedly involved in the so-called "guns, goons and gold" campaign method for the 2019 mid-term elections.

PNP Director General Oscar Albayalde said in a television interview over ANC Tuesday night they are monitoring a list of  candidates and incumbents that might be connected to "guns, goons and gold" which are factors which lead to election violence.

Albayalde said the list won't be made public. "We have actually a list, but that's for our use only. We maintain what we call a watchlist also on these candidates and also incumbents." he said.

He said the PNP will not reveal the names ''"unless probably the president (Rodrigo Duterte) will do it." 

Albayalde advised the candidates and public to cooperate to maintain peace, order and violence-free elections.

“I think what's very important here is the cooperation of the candidates. Probably they have to do away with the guns and goons method. Also the participation of community, that's very, very important," Albayalde said. Cristina Eloisa Baclig/DMS