Erap dares Lim to arrest hecklers

MANILA, Philippines - Manila mayoralty candidate Joseph Estrada yesterday challenged re-electionist Mayor Alfredo Lim to arrest the hecklers who violently disrupted his caucus in Sampaloc last Sunday.

“If criminals can strike in peaceful gatherings, what more can they do in dark alleys of the city?” Estrada asked. “If a city councilor can be stoned at and get hurt, what more for ordinary and defenseless civilians?”

The former president dared Lim to unmask those responsible for the stone-throwing incident that left three persons hurt, including Councilor Jocelyn Quintos.

“He must show that law offenders will be punished and the public will be protected from harm,” Estrada said.

No one was arrested for inflicting serious injuries to at least two of Estrada’s supporters and for disrupting the political assembly.

The Philippine National Police, meanwhile, promised to investigate the incident.  – Jose Rodel Clapano, Rey Galupo