By Alec Go
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos said the Philippine National Police (PNP) is focusing on the cases of high-profile killings involving local officials.
This was after a discussion with House Speaker Martin Romualdez on measures to resolve the cases, including allocating the PNP additional funds to boost its forces.
“Sa ating mga kababayan, huwag po kayong mag-aalala at nakatutok ang kapulisan sa mga kasong ito. The PNP exhausts all its resources in the fulfillment of its mandate to serve and protect the citizens, whether they are local officials or not,” he said.
Abalos said among the laid out measures include a strengthened use of technology against criminality, a review on the law on the selling of cars, and the recruitment of more police personnel next year for “maximum police visibility.”
The official tapped the PNP to intensify its campaign against private armed groups and the use of loose firearms, particularly in Mindanao.
On Feb. 22, Datu Montawal, Maguindanao del Sur Mayor Ohto Montawal was hurt in an ambush in Pasay.
Before this, Aparri Vice Mayor Rommel Alameda and five of his companions were killed in an ambush in Nueva Vizcaya on Feb. 19.
Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Alonto Adiong Jr. was also hurt, while his four companions including three police personnel were killed in an ambush in Maguing on Feb. 17. – gb