Army warns of possible violence in WV as May 2007 polls approaches

Jun Ariolo N. Aguirre
Kalibo, Aklan- The Philippine Army based in Camp Peralta, Jamindan Capiz warns of more possible violence possibly to be perpetrated by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army as the May 2007 synchronize local and national elections approaches.

In a telephone interview Lt. Col. David Tan, spokesman of the 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army said that they recieved reports that hired killers from the CPP-NPA assasinated Tapaz, Capiz Vice Mayor Victor Gardose Sunday morning.

Police report said, Gardose along with companions barangay chieftain Leonardo Gimeno and bodyguard Anthony Gequillo had just arrived at the town's civic center when three unidentified armed men shot the victims.

Report said, Gardose had declared his intent to run for mayoralty post in the said town against the incumbent which is his relative.

"Tapaz is considered a rebel infested area. We believed the CPP-NPA will do anything to generate funds taking advantage of the forthcoming 2007 polls. The police are already eyeing this angle as one of the possible motives," Tan said.

Before the Gardose slay, Tan bared that several of their informants all around the region are already recieving death threats and that they will be assasinated if the CPP-NPA got proofs that they are providing information to the army.

"We also recieved reports that the CPP-NPA are extoring money from several prominent politicians and businessmen in the region," Tan said.