Malabon kagawad bet gets death threats

MANILA, Philippines - A candidate for kagawad in Barangay Hulong Duhat, Malabon City has sought police protection after the father of an incumbent barangay official allegedly threatened to kill him for supporting a rival candidate.

In his complaint, Primo Gungun Jr. accused Jose Aquino of issuing grave threats and allegedly sending armed men to his residence.

He alleged that Aquino, father of incumbent barangay chairman Joseph Aquino, threatened him during a cell phone conversation on Oct. 5.

Gungun said the elder Aquino berated him for supporting a certain Tune Velasquez, who is running against his son as chairman of Barangay Hulong Duhat.

After receiving the threat, Gungun said he proceeded to a nearby police station to report the incident. He added that while he was at the police station, four armed men allegedly went to his house, looking for him.

Gungun said he is consulting his lawyer on possible legal action against Aquino. The death threat is the first election-related incident in Malabon City, police said.