24 election-related violent incidents reported since January – PNP

by Abigail Kwok (INQUIRER.net)

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20100308-257437/24-election-related-violent-incidents-reported-since-January--PNP

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine National Police has reported a total of 24 cases of election-related violent incidents in less than three months, as it vowed to speedily resolve these cases through the creation of more special investigation task groups.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) reported on Monday said that from January 10 to March 6, it has documented 24 cases involving 28 victims, 16 of whom were killed while three were wounded.

Of the 28 victims, 16 were village chiefs, six were town councilors, three were mayors, while the rest occupied various positions in government office.

CIDG director Chief Superintendent Francisco Montenegro said that he has ordered the creation of more special investigation task groups to immediately solve these violent incidents.

The PNP currently has task force EGO (elected government officials) to handle election-related violent incidents.

One of the election-related violent incidents reported include the murder of vice governor Willy Viloria, who was gunned down by unidentified men last March 1 in Barangay (village) Mabanglit, Cabangan, Zambales.