6 NCR areas under tight watch

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine National Police (PNP) is closely monitoring 6 areas in Metro Manila which may be prone to election violence on May 13 due to intense political rivalries.

This was disclosed Friday, May 10 by Deputy Director General Ager Ontog, the task force commander of the PNP’s SAFE (Secure and Fair Elections) 2013. Ontog declined to identify these areas to avoid compromising police operations there.

He said the 6 areas were being monitored due to intense rivalries and not because of the existence of threat groups or private armed groups.

Last week, violence erupted in the cities of Manila and Taguig between supporters of candidates running for mayor and vice mayor.

Supporters of incumbent Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano and rival Rica Tinga were involved in a violent clash near city hall leaving several injured. On Thursday, May 9, charges were filed against both groups.

In Manila, violence also erupted when alleged supporters of incumbent Mayor Alfredo Lim threw bottles and caused a stampede in a caucus held by rival Joseph Estrada and Isko Moreno.

The PNP earlier said there was no need to put the two areas in the list of election areas of concern. – Rappler.com

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