PNP checking for 'pattern' in series of attacks vs. local officials —Azurin

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is looking into a possible pattern in the recent armed attacks against elected government officials, according to PNP chief Police General Rodolfo Azurin Jr. on Friday.

“Nakikita natin na is this a pattern or incident lang 'yan? Kasi nga sa iba-ibang lugar naman sila na-ambush. So 'yun ang pinag-aaralan natin ngayon,” Azurin told reporters in a chance interview in Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City.

(We are trying to figure out if there is a pattern or they are just merely incidents. Because they were ambushed in different places. So that is what we are studying now.)

According to Azurin, he ordered regional directors to conduct threat assessments on elected as well as appointed officials in their respective areas to determine their current condition.

On Wednesday, Datu Montawal, Maguindanao del Sur Mayor Ohto Caumbo Montawal was hurt after two assailants shot him while inside his vehicle in Pasay City.

This was the latest incident of violence committed against local officials this month.

On February 17, gunmen shot at a convoy of Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Alonto Adiong Jr. in Bukidnon. Adiong survived but four of his companions were killed.

On February 19, Aparri, Cagayan Vice Mayor Rommel Alameda and five others were killed in an ambush in Bagabag, Nueva Vizcaya. —KBK, GMA Integrated News