Intellasia News Services -- 16 dead in two months of Philippine poll violence: Police

16 dead in two months of Philippine poll violence: Police
Source: 10-MAR-2010 Intellasia | ABS-CBN News
10 Mar, 2010 - 7:00:00 AM
Attacks on candidates and campaigners involved in forthcoming Philippine national elections in May have claimed 16 lives in the past two months alone, police officials said Monday.

Chief Superintendent Francisco Don Montenegro made the announcement as he ordered the creation of more task forces to investigate the growing levels of violence ahead of the elections.

"The investigating division is bent on solving these cases of violence against elected government officials and candidates. And we will be in the forefront in whatever election-related cases that will pop up this season to ensure an honest, orderly and peaceful election," Montenegro stressed.

Violence is a hallmark of Philippine elections with some politicians sending armed men to attack rival candidates or intimidate voters.

A host of positions are on offer at the elections, including the presidency.

The worst case of election violence came in November when 57 people were murdered in the southern province of Maguindanao allegedly on the order of Andal Ampatuan Jr., a member of a powerful political clan.

In addition to the 16 deaths, three people have been injured in election-related attacks from January 10 to March 6, said Montenegro, who is the new head of the police criminal investigation division.

The Maguindanao murders in November were carried out allegedly to prevent a rival candidate from running against Ampatuan. Since then, Ampatuan Jr. and 197 others, including relatives and policemen, have been charged with the crime.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/03/08/10/16-dead-two-months-philippine-poll-violence-police