11 lawmakers granted police escorts

MANILA, Philippines — Three senators and eight congressmen were among the politicians running in this year’s elections allowed to have police escorts.

Maj. Jackson Caces, Police Security and Protection Group (PSPG) spokesman, said the 11 are among 19 candidates whose application for police escorts were approved.

For security reasons, Caces did not reveal the identities of the lawmakers, two mayors and vice mayors who were also given police security detail.

He added that four private individuals running for elective posts this May were also given the same courtesy.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III said in a Twitter post that he has no police escort during campaigns but is allowed to carry a firearm outside of residence.

Under the Alunan Doctrine that President Duterte invoked several times in the past, candidates are allowed a maximum of two police escorts.

Candidates who want police protection may file their applications at the Commission on Elections (Comelec), which will conduct a strict vetting process and threat assessment.

Meanwhile, eight policemen and seven soldiers were arrested for violating the nationwide election gun ban. They are among 973 violators apprehended in 855 operations since the ban was implemented on Jan. 9.

The National Capital Region, according to Philippine National Police records, has the most number of violators with 290. The NCR is followed by Calabarzon (91), Central Visayas (86), Central Luzon (71) and Western Visayas (53).

A total of 749 assorted firearms, 336 other deadly weapons, 57 explosives and 4,708 various ammunition were seized during the operations.

The gun ban will last until the end of the election period on June 8.