(Eagle News) — Philippine National Police Chief Oscar Albayalde on Monday, July 9, ordered the implementation of “early security measures” for the 2019 elections to prevent “election-related violence.”
Albayalde gave the order following the killings of three high-ranking local government officials, Tanauan, Batangas Mayor Antonio Halili; General Tinio, Nueva Ecija Mayor Ferdinand Bote; and Trece Martires, Cavite Vice Mayor Alex Lubigan.
The police are looking at politics as a possible motive in the killing of at least two of them.
“In view of the recent killings of local chief executives, I am directing the command group and the regional directors to review and launch (these),” Albayalde said.
“Let me assure the public that your PNP is working hard in making sure that these criminals would be arrested and put behind bars, and that safety and security is assured for all Filipinos,” he added.
Last week, Halili was killed as he was presiding over a flag-raising ceremony, while both Bote and Lubigan were ambushed by unidentified men as they were on board their respective vehicles.
