• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez, who chairs the Association of Chief Executives (ACE) – Negros Occidental, yesterday said that local chief executives have not received any threats, as of this time.
So far, it is still okay, Benitez said, based on his conversation with other mayors of Negros Occidental. At the same time, he added that there is no need to beef up his security personnel, in the wake of the assassination of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo, and recent attempts on the lives of other local chief executives in the country.
“We don’t have that level of political tension in Negros Occidental,” Benitez said, as he reiterated his condemnation to the killing of Gov. Degamo and other eight other civilians.
Benitez said that he and mayors of Negros Occidental are also constantly coordinating with their respective police chiefs and PCol. Leo Pamittan, the provincial police director of Negros Occidental, regarding current security issues.
As to mayors undergoing training in shooting ranges to protect themselves, Benitez said “let’s talk about peace before using these weapons.”
“We should strive for peace first by having discussions and dialogues,” he said.*
