PNP chief assures security provision for other Comelec officials

By Ronron
November 13, 2007

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. said Tuesday that they are prepared to provide security to other officials of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) who are fearing for their lives.

Razon issued the assurance in the light of the possibility that the killing over the weekend of Comelec Law Department head Atty. Alioden Dalaig is related to his job.

“I have directed the Director for PSPO (Police Security and Protection Office) to make available security personnel upon request of the Commissioners and officers of Comelec,” Razon told reporters at Camp Crame yesterday morning.

“There is a sufficient number to provide security for the members of Comelec if there is a need to secure them,” he went on.

So far, though, the PNP has yet to receive any request for security from the poll body.

“Our personnel from the Directorate for Investigation and Intelligence are looking now at possible threats to the security of members of the Comelec, especially to the Commissioners,” Razon said.

Dalaig was shot dead last Saturday evening in Manila City by an unidentified suspect. Initial investigation ruled out the robbery angle because the 300,000-peso cash and cellular phone of Dalaig was not taken.

Razon said police investigators are pursuing the death threats received by Dalaig prior to the incident, as disclosed by his wife.

They are also looking into the possible connection of the incident to the order of the Comelec to arrest former Maguindanao Supervisor Lintang Bedol for indirect contempt charges. Razon clarified, however, that this theory needs to be substantiated.

“This could be connected to his job at the Comelec,” Razon said of the incident.

“We have tasked the MPD (Manila Police District) to investigate this case thoroughly. We are looking at all angles and we are giving it attention,” he added.

On Tuesday, the PNP wrapped up its security operations for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections as the 45-day election period officially ended.

In a statement, PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Samuel Pagdilao, Jr. said the organization is pursuing criminal cases against 542 persons arrested for violating the Omnibus Election Code and the gunban, which was to be suspected midnight of Tuesday.

As of Tuesday morning, the PNP has recorded 99 election-related violent incidents (ERVI) that happened since September 29 , resulting in the death of 55 persons and the wounding of 45 others.

In the 2002 local elections, 159 ERVI’s were recorded, resulting in the death of 75 people and the wounding of 69 others.

“The generally peaceful situation before, during and after the polls is largely due to the efforts of the Commission on Elections in instituting reforms in the electoral system with the assistance of the police, military, local government units, NGO volunteers and the cooperation of the citizens,” Razon said in the statement./DMS