‘DILG taking steps vs attacks on local execs’

MANILA, Philippines — Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos has assured the public that his agency is taking steps to protect local officials amid the recent spate of shootings in the country.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is reviewing and following up on threats made against local officials in an attempt to pre-emptively prevent attacks, according to Abalos.

“Aside from our threat assessment, they review all politicians who have threats so that the police force can help and these threats can be pre-empted,” he said in English and Filipino in a recent interview with Teleradyo.

“These threats will be looked into and heard, and those concerned will be given security. We will pre-empt them,” he added.

The DILG chief said they are intensifying their campaign against illegal firearms and criminality nationwide.

He added that they have raised budget concerns with leaders of Congress to ensure a more effective and efficient Philippine National Police (PNP).

Abalos over the weekend met with Speaker Martin Romualdez over “alarming” concerns on recent armed attacks against politicians.

The DILG chief said they asked Congress if they could raise the budget for new police recruits up to 10,000 per year from about 1,000 in the last two years.

He added that there should be legislation regulating the sale of used vehicles, as these are being used in committing crimes all over the country.

Tunggol Datu Montawal, Maguindanao del Sur Mayor Ohto Montawal was injured after assailants shot at his vehicle along Roxas Boulevard last week.

This was the third ambush on local officials in recent weeks.

Aparri, Cgayan Vice Mayor Rommel Alameda was killed along with five companions during an ambush in Bagabag, Nueva Vizcaya earlier this month.

Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Alonto-Adiong Jr. was attacked in the municipality of Wao that killed four of his police escorts. – Emmanuel Tupas