Report threats to PNP, politicians told

MANILA, Philippines — Politicians planning to run in the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections in October should coordinate with the police if they receive threats.

Col. Jean Fajardo, spokesperson for the Philippine National Police (PNP), issued the reminder after two village officials were killed in shootings this week.

“Kung sa tingin nyo niyo kayo ay nasa imminent danger, kindly get in touch sa inyong mga station commanders and chiefs of police so we can provide the necessary assistance,” Fajardo told a press briefing on Thursday afternoon.

However, she said requests for security assistance need to undergo a process.

Fajardo said the attacks that killed village chiefs Mario Delfin Tundag of Barangay, Manguiao in Asturias, Cebu and Hadji Basit Zangkala of Barangay Labo-Labo in Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao del Sur could not be considered poll-related since the election period has not started.

Fajardo said probers have identified persons of interest in the killing of Tundag. She did not give details.

Police still have no leads on the murder of Zangkala.