Secure safety of voters, candidates in 2019 elections, gov’t urged

MANILA, Philippines — As threats continue to arise against politicians vying for a position in the upcoming elections, senatorial aspirant Rafael “Raffy” Alunan III urged government agencies to tighten the security not only the candidates but the public as well.

Alunan said on Sunday that the May 2019 midterm elections are not about the local and national candidates but about the country.

“Yung unity o pagkakaisa na binabanggit dito ay para sa honest, orderly, and peaceful elections sapagkat kumbaga tumataas ang karahasan at kailangan maagapan ng maaga yan ng (The unity being mentioned here is for the honest, orderly, and peaceful elections because it’s as if the rate of violence is rising and it needs to be addressed by the) Commission on Elections, ng Armed Forces of the Philippines, and ng Philippines National Police, because this election is not about us, its about the Philippines and the Filipino people,” Alunan said in a chance interview after an election-related event at Quezon Memorial Circle.

“So we have to offer them our best, the best in ourselves, and the best of our plans for the improvement of the country,” he added, as he advised his fellow candidates to unite as one despite political differences.

The statement of Alunan came nearly a month after Ako Bicol party-list representative Rodel Batocabe was gunned down after the latter attended an event in Daraga.

Batocabe was a candidate for Daraga mayor before the killing.

READ: Ako Bicol Rep. Rodel Batocabe, police escort killed in Albay

Incumbent Daraga Mayor Carlwyn Baldo was tagged as the alleged mastermind of the ambush.

READ: PNP: Daraga mayor is Batocabe slay ‘mastermind’

The midterm elections are set for May 13, 2019. /je