Former Sen. Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson proposed on Thursday a proactive solution to address the poll-related violence in parts of Mindanao, including Maguindanao: have Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) personnel secure opposing candidates there.
Lacson pointed out that this should be a step beyond the investigation by the Philippine National Police (PNP) of election-related violence cases.
“Beyond the usual reactive investigation of election-related violence in Maguindanao, government may consider replacing all the security escorts of the opposing candidates with AFP personnel belonging to the same army battalion or division in the region,” he said in a post on X.
“Having Army personnel belonging to the same unit and under the same field commanders replacing PNP and private armed groups securing both camps will prevent armed confrontations,” he added.
Related: Ping Lacson, Nagmungkahi ng Proactive na Solusyon vs Poll Violence sa Maguindanao
CIting information he received from sources in the area, Lacson said at least six candidates for councilor and their supporters have already been killed in politically motivated incidents in Maguindanao, which was recently divided into two provinces – Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur.
Lacson’s suggestion came after the attempted assassination of Vice Mayor Mohammad Omar Samama of Datu Piang in Maguindanao del Sur province last Monday.
The PNP is reportedly eyeing an armed group behind the assassination attempt. Samama, who was injured in the shooting but whose condition has since stabilized, is running for reelection.
Meanwhile. Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Garcia was quoted in reports as saying the poll body has monitored a spike in the cases of election-related violence in Maguindanao and in Cotabato City.
Garcia also said more areas may be placed under the “red” category (serious threats) of areas of concern before Election Day. Datu Piang was among the 38 areas of concern under the “red” category.
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Ping Lacson, Nagmungkahi ng Proactive na Solusyon vs Poll Violence sa Maguindanao
Nagmungkahi ng proactive na solusyon nitong Huwebes si dating Sen. Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson para matugunan ang karahasan na may kinalaman sa darating na eleksyon – lalo na sa ilang parte ng Mindanao, kabilang ang Maguindanao.
Isinulong ni Lacson na italaga ang tauhan ng Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) para i-secure ang mga kandidato doon. Aniya, isang dagdag na hakbang ito sa imbestigasyon ng kapulisan ng mga election-related violence.
“Beyond the usual reactive investigation of election-related violence in Maguindanao, government may consider replacing all the security escorts of the opposing candidates with AFP personnel belonging to the same army battalion or division in the region,” ani Lacson sa X.
“Having Army personnel belonging to the same unit and under the same field commanders replacing PNP and private armed groups securing both camps will prevent armed confrontations,” dagdag niya.
Ani Lacson, nakatanggap siya ng impormasyon na hindi bababa sa anim na kandidato para konsehal at ang mga tagasuporta nila ang napatay na sa mga “politically motivated” na insidente sa Maguindanao, na hinati sa dalawang probinsya – Maguindanao del Norte at Maguindanao del Sur.
Ginawa ni Lacson ang mungkahi matapos barilin at masugatan si Vice Mayor Mohammad Omar Samama ng Datu Piang sa Maguindanao del Sur noong Lunes.
Iniimbestigahan ng PNP kung sangkot ang armadong grupo sa pagtangkang pagpatay kay Samama, na tumatakbo sa darating na eleksyon. Nasugatan si Samama pero nag-stabilize na ang kanyang kalagayan.
Samantala, binanggit ni Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Garcia na may “spike” sa pag-monitor nila ng election-related violence sa Maguindanao at sa Cotabato City.
Ayon kay Garcia, maaaring madagdagan ang mga lugar sa “red” category (serious threats) ng areas of concern bago dumating ang araw ng halalan. Kabilang na ang Datu Piang sa 38 areas of concern sa “red” category.
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