Albayalde: Nothing to fear or worry about killings

LEGAZPI CITY — Philippine National Police Chief Oscar Albayalde said the people should not worry about the killings of local executives.

“We should not have any worries. We should not be afraid,” he said on Saturday when asked for an opinion about the recent murders of Tanauan City Mayor Antonio Halili, General Tinio Mayor Ferdinand Bote, and Vice Mayor Alexander Lubigan of Trece Martires City in Cavite.

Albayalde was in Albay as the guest of honor for the Change of Command Ceremony at Camp General Simeon Ola on Saturday.

Chief Superintendent Arnel Esobal assumed the position of regional director for Bicol police, following the retirement of Chief Superintendent Antonio Gardiola Jr.

“These (killings of local officials) were not systematic. There is no pattern. We do not know if this involves politics. There are a lot of possible reasons,” Albayalde said.

READ: PNP eyes politics behind local officials’ slay

He said a thorough investigation of the crimes is still being conducted. “We know that here in our country, every election season, although it is puzzling, before, during and after the election, there are elected officials who die,” he said. /ee