Solons fear pulling out of security detail as 2019 midterm polls nears

Lawmakers from the House of Representatives on Monday expressed concern on the pulling out of their security detail as the 2019 midterm elections in May approaches, when threats to their lives and safety become more apparent.

During its meeting, the House Committee on Public Order and Safety opened the discussion on House Resolution 2421 which urges the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to investigate and streamline the application process of exemption of security personnel in relation to the upcoming polls.

Surigao del Sur Representative Johnny Pimentel, who sponsored the resolution on behalf of its author ABONO party-list Representative Vini Nola Ortega, said the measure was borne out of the violent incidents in La Union last year where former Representative Eufranio Eriguel was killed.

He pointed out that if Eriguel's security personnel had not been pulled out, he could have survived the assassination.

House public order and safety panel holds dialogue with PNP on the security matters related to the upcoming 2019 polls. @gmanews pic.twitter.com/UuvGvJSl9t

— Erwin Colcol (@erwincolcol) February 4, 2019

Pimentel also said that his security detail in his province was also pulled out two weeks ago supposedly following an order from the Philippine National Police (PNP).

"Election season ngayon. Politicians, candidates are open targets. Candidates are being killed just like ordinary chickens, tapos here you come PNP and Comelec making it hard for us candidates na ma-provide kami ng security personnel," Pimentel said.

"Ang dami nang namatay na kandidato, and there would be more, I assure you, if we will not be given security personnel," he added.

PNP Deputy Director for Operations Rey Lyndon Lawas, in response, told Pimentel that the security detail of public officials was pulled out following an order from the Comelec in relation to the election season.

"Based on Comelec Resolution 10446, which prescribes that during election period which covers from January 13 to June 12, the carrying, bearing and transporting of firearms is not allowed. That would include also having security or bodyguards," Lawas said.

Explaining the provision further, lawyer Gwyn Calibuyot of Comelec said the resolution was based on Section 12 of RA 7166, an act providing for the synchronized national and local elections.

"Under that said provision, it is said that during the election period, no candidate for public office, including incumbent public officers seeking election to any public office, shall employ, avail himself or engage the services of security personnel or bodyguards," Calibuyot said.

Aside from an investigation, House Resolution 2421 also urges the DILG and Comelec to provide a final detailed list of requirements needed by the PNP - Police Security and Protection Group to expedite the application of government officials for security detail. — RSJ, GMA News