DILG warns candidates: Only 2 security escorts allowed

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) yesterday warned that candidates in the May 13 midterm polls are allowed to have only two security escorts.

At a media forum, DILG Assistant Secretary Jonathan Malaya said the Philippine National Police (PNP) has issued its directive limiting the number of police escorts for each candidate nationwide.

“If you have more than two police escorts, the third one can be arrested by the PNP,” Malaya noted.

However, Superintendent Bernard Yang, the National Capital Region Police Office-Regional Operations Division chief, qualified that an individual can request for more security personnel if there is a threat to his or her life.

“It is only after a threat assessment has been secured when the Comelec can grant the request,” Yang explained.