City mayor bares assassination plot

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Mayor Oscar Montilla of Sipalay City in Negros Occidental bared an alleged assassination plot against his life, claiming politics could be behind it.

Montilla, in a press conference Monday, read a text message from an unknown source, that stated a plan to kill him.

The text message (translated to English) reads : "Good evening mayor, I'm a concerned citizen. I texted you because I am being bothered by my conscience. Believe it or not but there are hired killers from Pototan ordered to kill you. They are monitoring you so they will know when they will kill you. Hopefully you will believe me. Be careful."

Montilla said it could be a prank message, but he is being extra careful these days. He added that he has no idea on who may be behind the assassination plot against him.

Senior Supt. Milko Lirazan, director of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, for his part, said they are verifying the reported threat against Montilla, and they have yet to identify the people and their motive.

Lirazan further said the local police can provide additional security escort should the mayor request for it. — (FREEMAN)