Negros Occidental mayors condemn killings, seek police protection

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — The Negros Occidental Association of Chiefs Executives (ACE) and the provincial chapter of the League of Municipalities in the Philippines yesterday issued a joint statement strongly condemning the killing of Mayor Antonio Halili of Tanauan City in Batangas and Mayor Ferdinand Bote of General Tinio, Nueva Ecija.

This also developed as Negros Occidental mayors also asked the Philippine National Police to protect them.

Victorias City Mayor Francis Frederick Palanca, who chaired the Negros ACE, said they are putting the responsibility for the PNP to solve the crimes, whether those slain local government officials are involved in narco-politics or not.

Palanca, who presided over the joint Negros ACE and LMP meeting, also asked the PNP that such incident should not be allowed to happen in Negros Occidental. The PNP in turn had assured them that it will not take place in Negros Occidental, he added.

“It is the basic obligation of the PNP to protect its people, and mayors are part of the people,” Palanca said. “If the PNP cannot protect the mayors, how can the ordinary people feels secure with the PNP?”

Pontevedra town Mayor Jose Benito Alonso, president of the LMP-Negros Occidental, yesterday said that mayors may not perform their job to the fullest, especially in anti-criminality operations and campaign against illegal drugs, due to security concerns.

The killings of LGU officials may affect their performance because they are being targeted for assassinations, especially if they are not being supported by the PNP, Alonso said. “If they are not being secured, their movements will be limited,” he said.

Alonso also emphasized the need for the mayors to have bodyguards or adequate security as a precaution, pointing out that in the course of their enforcement of the law as chief executives, there may be some people who will take offense.

Negros Occidental Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, for his part, called for swift justice for the two mayors killed this week. “I just hope there will be a speedy resolution, it’s not good as far as the image of our country is concerned,” he said.

Negros Occidental Board Member Salvador Escalante, also a former mayor of Cadiz City. said the killings of the mayors are “probably part of the so-called culture of violence.” He added that this is the risk local officials face. “If you are afraid, then stop being in politics. That is a risk in life.”