Año warns pols who may be behind killing of village officials

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año (File photo by NOY MORCOSO / INQUIRER.net)

MANILA, Philippines — Interior Secretary Eduardo Año warned on Wednesday politicians who might have been behind the killing of some village officials even after the midterm elections.

In a text message to INQUIRER.net, Año said he had already sent a “stern warning” to previous election candidates, especially those who won, “to stop any sinister plans.”

“In the recent incidents following the election, politicians seemed to be connected [to] or [are] orchestrating these violent incidents in their areas because of political motives,” he said.

Año said he had already directed the Philippine National Police (PNP) to form special investigation task groups to solve the killings.

In an earlier interview, the Año said he would look intently into the incidents that happened even after the officials had already been proclaimed.

“I am calling on the elected officials: Be responsible. If you are behind those killings, we will go after you. Tapos na itong eleksyon. Eh bakit kailangan pa na may mga mamamatay?” said Año.

[The elections are over. Why do people have to die?]

Año said the Department of the Interior and Local Government would file criminal and administrative cases against politicians who might have been behind the killing of some village officials.

“We will not stop until we find the culprits or the suspects or the mastermind of these killings,” he said.

(Editor: Alexander T. Magno)