Bro. Eddie to PNOY Admin: How safe are candidates?

Bangon Pilipinas senatorial candidate Bro. Eddie Villanueva called on the Aquino administration to step up operations against known threat groups to ensure the safety of candidates running in the May elections.

Villanueva made the call after his visit to Gingoog, Misamis Oriental Mayor Ruthie De Lara Guingona who was ambushed recently by armed men said to be members of the New People’s Army (NPA).

“With the ambush on Mayor Guingona, we must question the safety of candidates campaigning in conflict areas, particularly in areas ‘controlled’ by communist rebels,” Villanueva said. Earlier, he condemned the attack and called on the government to bring the perpetrators to justice.

The NPA already apologized for the attack but said it was the mayor's guards who fired first.

Villanueva also noted the recent order of President Aquino to police and military units to dismantle checkpoints of communist rebels and to protect campaigning politicians. But Villanueva said it remains to be seen if the President’s orders are carried out.

“The President must ensure his orders are carried out to the letter. He must show that these are just not mere words and he must exact accountability from police and military units who fail to carry out his orders,” Villanueva said.

The Bangon Pilipinas candidate, who is running on a platform of inclusive economic growth in the margins, also said true economic growth can be stunted by the existence of armed violence.

“Armed violence is not good for economic growth. The President’s recent order seems short-term to me. What we must work for is a long-term solution to armed violence so the economy can flourish. Residents in conflict areas can feel safe to work and better their lives,” Villanueva explained.

He also noted that internal security should be a concern for the administration with the recent bombing at the Boston marathon and the foiling of a possible terror attack in Canada.

“Globally, governments face threats to their internal security. The government must show it is taking these threats seriously,” he said.