LINGAYEN–Sixth District Board Member Alfonso Bince Jr. has added his voice to the growing clamor for better police response to the series of killings of local political leaders.

“Are we not disturbed? Is this normal life enjoyed in an environment of what we have been bandying about as “generally peaceful’?” said Bince in a privilege speech delivered before the Sanggunian Panlalawigan on Monday.

Bince also hinted on the need to replace Senior Superintended Isagani Nerez as provincial police director if the cases remain unsolved.

“Our friend, Provincial Director Isagani Nerez, must do something more positive and decisive within the year or should he not go?” Bince added.

This year alone, six local government officials have already been killed.

The latest victim was Agno town Mayor Arthur Cabantac who was gunned down on August 2.

Killed last month were Councilor Igmedio Lariosa of Binalonan and Councilor Albert Sibayan of San Quintin. Also killed earlier this year were former San Nicolas Mayor Conrado Rodrigo, Tayug Mayor Guerrero Zaragoza and Balungao Mayor Jose Peralta Sr.

Last year, shot dead were Councilor Juan Ablao of Alcala and San Carlos Mayor Julian Resuello.

San Fabian Councilor Roland Villegas has also been kidnapped and remains unheard from.

“I am bothered because the freedom to walk beyond our doorsteps is slowly and gradually breached and torched by bounty killers hired by detractors or agents provocateurs out to sow disorder and dissension in our ‘peaceful ‘ province,” Bince said.

Nerez, for his part, reiterated that they have been exerting all efforts to solve these cases.

“We are only asking for the cooperation of everyone to help solve these cases,” Nerez told The PUNCH.

He also stressed that police investigation indicate that the murder of the councilors were not politically-motivated while cases have already been filed against suspects in the Resuello and Sibayan murders.#

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