ILOILO City – The executive assistant for security of Mayor Jose Espinosa III is seeking additional security men for the city’s chief executive.
Felix Muchada, a retired police colonel, cited the recent string of killings, especially those that targeted local officials.
Espinosa is always in the field checking barangays, according to Muchada, and this makes the mayor vulnerable to some quarters that may have sinister agenda.
Espinosa currently maintains two personal bodyguards.
Muchada said four police auxiliaries would be securing the mayor when doing field work.
Friday last week, businessman Ranny Bibangco was shot to death by an unidentified armed man at the Iloilo Terminal Market.
A day after, tricycle driver Ely Tipanan was also shot in Barangay Baldoza, La Paz district.
Muchada said he would also request the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) to post two more policemen at city hall.
City hall is currently being secured by nine police officers.
Wednesday last week, Sapa-Sapa, Tawi-Tawi vice mayor Al Rashid Mohammad Alih was shot dead by two motorcycle-riding men as he was leaving a mall in Zamboanga City.
Tanauan, Batangas mayor Antonio Halili was shot and killed by a sniper on July 1 and the next day, Gen. Tinio, Nueva Ecija mayor Ferdinand Bote was gunned down. Trece Martires, Cavite vice mayor Alexander Lubigan was also shot and killed four days later on July 7./PN
