Ex-Pampanga mayor seeks cop protection

MEXICO, Pampanga – Saying gunmen who have killed at least six of his political supporters are now after him, a former mayor of this town has sought police protection.

Former mayor Ernesto Punzalan told The STAR that he relayed his request for security to Chief Superintendent Errol Pan, Central Luzon police director, some 10 days ago, after another supporter, Danilo Lalu, was shot dead in Barangay Lagundi here last July 13.

“What’s unusual is that three of the latest victims were not only identified with me. They also had filed various administrative and criminal cases against Tumang,” Punzalan said, referring to the incumbent mayor, Teddy Tumang.

He said all six victims were attacked on the street by gunmen using caliber .45 pistols and on board motorcycles.

“There is uniformity in executing the killing,” he said.

Last week, former mayor Tirso Lacanilao of Apalit, Pampanga was also gunned down in Calumpit, Bulacan.

Punzalan had been mayor of this town until he lost to Tumang in the 2004 polls, and again in last year’s elections.

In February last year, Punzalan said his supporter retired Army Col. Wilfredo Munar was shot dead while strolling with his grandson near his home in Barangay San Jose.

PO2 Arsenio Gopez, operations chief of the local police, confirmed that the three latest murder victims were indeed known supporters of Punzalan.

“In the case of Munar, some suspects were identified as members of the Rebolusyonaryong Hukbo ng Bayan, a breakaway group of the New People, Army. But they have remained at large,” Gopez said.

The STAR called up Tumang at his home but was told that he was not available.