Bohol gubernatorial bets seek PNP, NBI help over threats

MANILA, Philippines — Citing threats to their life, two candidates for governor in Bohol have sought the assistance of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and Philippine National Police (PNP).

The family of former Cabinet secretary Leoncio Evasco Jr. reportedly wrote NBI Director Dante Gierran requesting for a team to investigate an assassination plot against the former Palace official and unmask the people who contracted the killers.

NBI public information chief Nick Suarez said Gierran’s office has yet to receive the letter.

Evasco, who served as mayor of Maribojoc town for three terms, is former head of the National Food Authority and Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council.

In a statement sent to reporters covering the House of Representatives, Evasco’s rival Deputy Speaker Arthur Yap said he sought the assistance of PNP chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde, citing a “potent threat to his life.”  

A PNP reported dated December 2018 cited areas in Bohol that were identified as election hotspots due to intense political rivalry and the reported presence of communist rebels. 

“Considering reports of armed groups arriving in Bohol, Yap asked Albayalde for a follow-up investigation and a report on measures to ensure that not only he, but all candidates are secured against any untoward incident, “ the report stated.

Albayalde said Yap should seek clearance from the Commission on Elections if he wants to be exempted from the gun ban or be provided with security escorts.

Albayalde said a threat assessment report is also a requirement.

He said a politician with threats to his life could have a maximum of two police escorts.

Evasco is running under the Nationalist People’s Coalition. Yap is a candidate of the PDP-Laban.

The other candidates for governor of Bohol are Roberto Reyes, also of PDP-Laban, and independents Hercules Castillo and Concepcion Flores. – Rey Galupo, Emmanuel Tupas