By Chito Chavez
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has condemned the ambush on San Fernando, Cebu Mayor Lakambini “Neneth” Reluya and her companions in Barangay Linao, Talisay City on Tuesday.
DILG Secretary Eduardo M. Año described the latest attack on politicians as a huge affront to the efforts of the government to create an enabling and conducive environment where citizens should be able to freely exercise their right to choose their leaders whom they think will steer their localities to peace and development.
President Duterte made it clear that political terrorism and violence have no place in the country.
Año ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) to unmask the mastermind behind “this ambush and ensure that he or she faces the full consequences of the dastardly act.’’
With the spate of recent violent incidents, Año reiterated his call for the PNP to strengthen further their security measures in identified election hotspots by setting up checkpoints, maintaining police visibility, and strictly enforcing the gun ban.
Año also reminded them to conduct these security measures and man their respective posts in the most courteous and lawful manner.
He also urged all the political aspirants for the May 2019 mid-term elections to “play fair and refrain from using illegal means to clinch victory” warning the law will virtually “catch up with you’’ soon.
The DILG chief appealed to the public to be on guard by reporting to authorities any looming election-related violence in their areas to enable police authorities to respond and act accordingly.
The DILG wished Reluya and her companions a speedy recovery while expressing “our deepest condolences to her as well on the passing of her husband and two others who were killed during the incident.’’