PRESS STATEMENT

I strongly condemn the disruption by unidentified armed men of a political activity being held by PDP-Laban in Sorsogon on April 3. I seek the immediate investigation by the PNP of this incident to ensure that candidates running for various elective posts and their supporters are safe and secure to campaign during this election season.

Such attempts to coerce and intimidate candidates and the electorate, particularly with the use of high-powered guns, have no place in a democratic country like ours.

I hope this incident will not be used by our political rivals to promote unfair and untrue attacks against us by confusing and distracting voters in order to advance their political bids.

People should be allowed to exercise their rights to freely choose the candidates they want to elect come May 9 polls.