Palace urges stakeholders in the elections to shun violence

Quezon City, May 3 -- Palace officials asked all candidates and their supporters to campaign peacefully and avoid violent behaviors that will tend to discredit their group.

"Let's all be calm. The election is drawing near, just do the best for your candidates," said Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte in Filipino as she admitted being concerned about the recent incidents of violence in some provinces.

Undersecretary Valte's appeal is a reaction to the the ambush in Nunungan, Lanao del Norte last Thursday that left 10 people dead including a daughter of incumbent Mayor Abdul Malik Manamparan.

Manamparan himself was among the wounded in the ambush.

Another ambush took place Thursday night in Bacoor, Cavite killing two supporters of Mayor Strike Revilla.

Reports say victims Roberto Palabrica and Reynaldo Primero were shot by motorcycle riding suspects while on their way to a political rally.

Barangay Chairwoman Catherine Palabrica, who was along the victim at the time, was also wounded in the ambush.

Usec Valte said authorities are investigating the incidents and implementing measures to prevent escalation of violence. (Lyndon Plantilla/Media ng Bayan)