Congressional candidate in Pampanga gets death threat

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Representative Aurelio Gonzales Jr. (3rd district, Pampanga) received five live M16 bullets in an apparent death threat coursed through his former security aide over the weekend.

Gonzales said the live ammunitions were received by his former aide, SPO1 Angel Pesayco, at his residence in St. Jude Village here last Saturday, February 23, prompting him to secure his family.

The lawmaker, who is running for a third term in Pampanga in the May polls, also called his supporters and leaders to be vigilant.

The bullets where placed inside a small brown envelope with the legislator's name written in bold letters on a white paper. Gonzales said he would have the bullets subjected to ballistic testing.

Pampanga Representative Aurelio Gonzales shows the five bullets he received from an unknown sender over the weekend.

"This apparent threat is a cause for me to worry, not for my safety but for the well-being of my family, my leaders and supporters. I have asked for this to be investigated by the police and urge the Commission on Elections and Philippine National Police to do their part," Gonzales said.

He said the bullets may have come from people who would like to spread fear among his supporters, adding that despite this, he would not change his campaign plans this coming elections.

He, however, has moved his family to safer locations and has ordered leaders to look into their own safety. Gonzales is currently provided two police escorts by the Philippine National Police.

"This will not hinder us. These threats will not stop us from our advocacy of providing more services and development for the people of the 3rd District of Pampanga," said Gonzales.

Gonzales was a former board member before winning the congressional race some six years ago.

He is credited for landmark legislations in Pampanga like the conversion of the Don Honorio Ventura Technological State University and the approval of the Bacolor Rehabilitation Act.

He is also known for his "Iskolar ng Dong" program that sends some 35,000 indigent students to school.

Gonzales also earned the nicknames "Mr. Bridge Builder" and "Mr. Infra Project" for his millions worth of covered courts, barangay halls, roads and bridge projects all over the third district.

The Department of Interior and Local Government has tagged Pampanga province as among the “hot spots” or an area of potential violence or political unrest.

Police Superintendent Charlie Cabradilla, an official of Regional Special Operations Task Group, said the towns considered hot spots in Pampanga are Candaba, San Simon, Mexico, Arayat, Sasmuan, Guagua, Magalang, Lubao and Mabalacat City.

Among the provinces included in the hot spots list are Abra, Pangasinan, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Cagayan, Nueva Ecija, Batangas, Cavite, Masbate, Samar, Misamis Occidental, Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, and Basilan.

The list was based on the past records of election-related violence in these areas. (Sun.Star Pampanga/Sunnex)