Philippine military probes report of Mindanao politician hiring armed goons for election

The Philippine military is checking reports that several groups of armed goons hired by Western Mindanao politicians have been deployed in preparation for the May 14 local elections, reported the Philippine News Agency on Monday.

These gunmen were from neighboring Lanao del Sur and Cotabato and were paid by a local billionaire and influential politician running for mayorship, said the report.

Colonel Jovencio Magalso, chief of the Army's 102nd Infantry Brigade, disclosed that he is launching an intensified intelligence operation to determine who among the politicos have hired the goons' services.

Zamboanga del Sur has 25 towns and one city, all of which will elect their new mayors.

Magalso said that the appropriate criminal charges will be filed in court once the Army is able to confirm the identity of the politicians who hired the armed groups.

The troops will also determine whether armed groups have any affiliation with any of the lawless elements operating in the area.

Local election officials have identified several towns of Zamboanga del Sur as hotspots, or "areas of immediate concerns".

Source: Xinhua