GENERAL SANTOS CITY – The Philippine National Police has recommended additional security escorts for Vice Mayor Esmael Mangudadatu amid imminent threats on his life while campaigning for governor of Maguindanao and amidst the ongoing trial for the November 23 Maguindanao massacre.

PNP Director General Jesus Verzosa said Mangudadatu, whose wife Genalyn and two sisters together with more than 30 journalists were among those killed in the massacre, will be exempted from having more than two security escorts due to threats against his life.

Under its guidelines, the Commission on Elections only allows two security personnel from the police or military to be detailed to each local candidate during the election period.

“In the case of Vice Mayor Mangudadatu, the PNP is recommending that he will be given more than two security escorts,” Verzosa told reporters. The PNP chief arrived Monday to grace the 19th PNP Day celebration at the Police Regional Office 12 in Barangay Tambler here.

Mangudadatu asked for additional security following the November 23 massacre perpetrated by some 100 armed men allegedly led by Datu Unsay Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr. while on their way to file Mangudadatu’s certificate of candidacy at the provincial election office in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao.

Verzosa said the Comelec together with the PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines had established Joint Security Coordinating Centers at the regional and provincial levels to come up with measures related to the implementation of the gun ban and orderly and peaceful elections.

He added that the imposition of gun ban, effective from January 10 to June 10, has contributed to the reduction of gun-related crimes in the past month.

“Gun-related crime incidents had gone down by 40 percent in Metro Manila following the imposition of gun ban month last month,” Verzosa said.

He expressed hopes that the continuing campaign against the proliferation of illegal firearms will be sustained even beyond the election period.

“We should start setting aside the culture of arms in order to achieve peaceful and orderly election,” said the PNP chief, who has been pushing for stiffer penalties for illegal possession of firearms under the National Firearms Control Program.

In Central Mindanao, regional police director Jake Cataluna said at least 47 people, including PNP and military personnel, have been arrested for violating the election gun ban.