Bongbong cites attacks on local party candidates
BY JOMAR CANLAS REPORTER

Rep. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. of Ilocos Norte on Monday warned that the life of Sen. Manuel “Manny” Villar Jr., the presidential candidate of the Nacionalista Party in the May 2010 elections, was in danger from assassins. He cited the recent murders of four members of the Nacionalistas running for local posts in this year’s balloting as an indicator that threat groups could target those seeking national office.

“We cannot discount the possibility of an assassination attempt on Sen. Villar, especially that Nacionalista Party candidates are becoming favorite targets in the run-up to the polls,” Marcos said.

The congressman is running for senator also under the Nacionalista ticket.

Marcos, the only son of late strongman President Ferdinand Marcos, added that he feared for Villar’s safety because the senator was fast catching up with Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino 3rd in surveys for president.

“The only way to stop Sen. Villar is through assassination. That’s why he needs more security,” Marcos said.

He urged Villar to get more security escorts from the police and the military to guard him when traveling anywhere in the country, especially in 558 election “hotspots” identified by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Philippine National Police.

Ominous harbinger
Marcos said that the killing of four local Nacionalista candidates last week might just be a preview of things to come in the May elections.

The victims were retired policeman Julio Equivas, a candidate for councilor in Casirugan, Sorsogon; Cipriano Albores, a former councilman of Kinangan barangay (village) in Malita, Davao del Sur and organizer of the Manny Villar for President Movement in the province; Wilbert Origines, barangay leaders’ president and candidate for vice mayor in Taganaan, Surigao del Norte; and Joen Canete, a candidate for councilor in Dingras, Ilocos Norte.