VICTORIAS City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez said Thursday, March 16, that there were no threats to the lives of Negros Occidental mayors amid attacks on elected government officials in the country.
The president of the Association of Chief Executives (ACE)-Negros Occidental is also not beefing up his security detail.
"They have been talking to their own chiefs of police about the current security issues. So far, it's still okay. The province has been coordinating it with provincial police director Col. Leo Pamittan," the mayor said.
Benitez said, "I speak with the chief of police of Victorias City to talk about potential threats. So far and fortunately, we don't have any threats of that sort, " he said, adding that their talk was focused on security and security flaws.
"We discussed beefing up the support of the city government to the police and the army in terms of training and fuel for use in their patrols around the city. We also talked about ammunition for their training," Benitez pointed out.
As to mayors and other public officials undergoing training in shooting ranges to protect themselves, Benitez said, "Let's talk about peace before using these weapons."
"I strongly condemn what happened to Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo. It's never worth it. It should never happen," he added.
"Fortunately, in our province, we don't have that level of political tension," Benitez said.
"We should strive for peace first by having discussions and dialogues, although when things happen, it is best to be prepared," he further said.
Benitez said that ACE will meet on Saturday, March 18, and on April 4 to further discuss the matter.*