Palace alarmed over rise in poll violence

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang expressed alarm yesterday over the rising number of election-related killings and directed security and law enforcement agencies to tighten their campaign to prevent more violence.

Deputy presidential spokesman Rogelio Peyuan said the Armed Forces, the Philippine National Police and other law enforcement agencies were ordered to also intensify their monitoring activities to preempt election-related violent incidents.

“We are praying that there would be less violence,” Peyuan told a news briefing.

The Palace also called on administration candidates at the local level to set the example in ensuring peaceful and honest elections.

“You should shed your firearms that you use to protect yourself so that your political opponents will not be intimidated,” he said.

He also called on local officials and candidates not to inflame the already heated political environment by waging a sober campaign.

Peyuan, however, cited the success of security agencies in reducing the number of election-related violent incidents compared to the 2004 and 2007 elections.

The PNP earlier reported that a total of 27 people, including a mayoral bet and five running for councilor, were killed in 75 election-related violent incidents during the first 105 days of the campaign period.

PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Leonardo Espina said investigators were validating 61 more incidents, initially reported to be election-related, although there were indications that the motives were personal or related to business or work.