Political rivalries heating up; 75 local officials killed

MANILA, Philippines - Political rivalries are heating up in the countryside as 75 local officials have been killed and 36 others wounded with only seven months before the elections in 2010, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said yesterday.

PNP chief Director General Jesus Verzosa said the number of local officials getting killed and wounded had been included in the 111 violent incidents reported since January.

Verzosa stressed the PNP will extend utmost assistance to national and local government officials seeking police protection and security.

Verzosa cited the report of PNP operations chief Director Andres Caro that among those killed and wounded were governors, congressmen, councilors, mayors and barangay officials.

Caro, for his part, called on police regional directors to extend full security assistance to local officials in their respective regions.

“Political rivalries appear to be heating up already as violent incidents victimizing local government officials have been reported from January to this date,” Caro said.

Caro said the police would also provide security to national officials visiting the provinces on official business or other purposes.

Verzosa said the PNP would activate Task Group EGO to focus on the investigation of violent incidents against local officials.

He said the task force would implement measures to prevent and put an end to violence against politicians and elected government officials in line with the directive of President Arroyo.