CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City mayoralty candidate, Councilor David Tumulak, has disclosed what he believes is a threat to his safety.
Tumulak, an independent candidate, said that an alleged employee at City Hall called a member of his staff and asked for his daily schedule with an apprehensive tone.
"Kun gusto daw magpabilin akong staff sa iyang trabaho sa City Hall, mas maayo daw mo-cooperate siya sa gipangayo sa tawo nga nanawag kaniya,” Tumulak said.
The caller reportedly insisted on knowing the places he would visit.
Tumulak believes the call was meant to intimidate him to shake his campaign. It is not working, he said.
“Dili gyud na mahitabo nga maputol akong pagsuroy-suroy sa kabaranggayan. Akong ipadayon ang pagduaw sa mga tawo, bisan pa man sa hulga nga akong nadawat," he said.
The councilor said anyone has the right to run for office so he hopes that the intimidation would stop.
He said he is also worried about his family and friends.
“Nidagan ko kay gusto ko moalagad sa mga tawo. Mo-focus lang ko ron sa pagpadangat sa akong mga plataporma alang sa katawhan," Tumulak said.
Mayor Michael Rama, one of Tumulak’s opponents, urged the councilor to name the supposed caller.
Rama said he will call that person’s attention once named.
Tumulak said he will seek police assistance.
The Deputy City Director for Operations of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), Wilbert Parilla, said they are willing to provide security to Tumulak once he submits a formal request.
"Yes it needs a request. Para ma -providan. That will be our basis for providing security ang ilahang request," he said.
"It is directive from the chief PNP (Philippine National Police) nga tanan nga kandidato dunay hulga sa kinabuhi pwede gyud ta mo provide. regardless of unsa sila nga grupo," Parilla said. – Iris Hazel M. Mascardo, JMO (FREEMAN)