At A Glance
- Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial candidate Panfilo "Ping" Lacson has advised the Philippine National Police (PNP)--an organization he once led--to be "on their toes" on the matter of election-related violence.
Panfilo "Ping" Lacson (Facebook)
Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial candidate Panfilo "Ping" Lacson has advised the Philippine National Police (PNP)--an organization he once led--to be "on their toes" on the matter of election-related violence.
Lacson had this to say following what he described as the brazen killing of reelectionist Rizal, Cagayan Mayor Joel Ruma.
In particular, the said the national police force should beef up its intelligence work to prevent similar incidents during the final few weeks of the campaign period for the May 12 polls.
"I would urge the PNP to be on their toes regarding such matters. This is a function of intelligence. The PNP must improve its intelligence network because murders like this do not go unplanned," Lacson said in a radio interview Saturday, April 26.
"The occurrence of such incidents indicates a failure of intelligence," he underscored.
Ruma was gunned down during a campaign rally at the Illuru Sur barangay hall while campaigning Wednesday night. Police said initial investigation showed a shot from a sniper rifle killed Ruma.
Investigation also showed Ruma received a threat before he was killed, even as PNP chief Rommel Marbil ordered an in-depth investigation into the killing.
Lacson also says it is part of the PNP's work to maintain peace and order especially during the election period.
"It's the PNP's job to protect and maintain peace and order especially during the election period," he stressed.