Zamboanga Sibugay Governor Rommel Jalosjos gestures during a press interview in Zamboanga Cityon Thursday, November 17, 2011. Jalosjos says he is receiving death threats almost everyday and on Thursday, four text messages were sent to his cell phone and threatening his life. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)
ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Nov. 17, 2011) – Philippine police is investigating threats to the life of Zamboanga del Norte Governor Rommel Jalosjos whose political clan is one of the most influential and powerful in Mindanao.
Jalosjos, who met Thursday with police officials in Zamboanga City, said he has been getting death threats sent to his cell phone almost every day.
“Everyday I am getting death threats from people I don’t even know. Just today, I received four death threats. I don’t know who is sending these threats to my life and it could be political and it could the rebels and we still don’t know,” Jalosjos told journalists in Zamboanga City.
It was not immediately known who was threatening the politician. “Authorities are investigating these threats and who were behind it, but you know these are all part of the hazards in public service – it could be political or threats from rebel groups,” he said.
Just last month, Jalosjos offered P500,000 bounty for the capture of a rebel leader Wanning Abdusalam whose group had fought fiercely with security forces in the town of Payaoin Zamboanga Sibugay.
The fighting left thousands of people fleeing their homes for fear they would be trapped in villages.
Authorities tagged Abdusalam’s group as behind the spate of terrorism and kidnappings in the ZamboangaPeninsula which is comprised of Zamboanga Cityand the province of Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga del Norte.
Jalosjos, who was elected as governor last year, has introduced drastic reforms in Zamboanga Sibugay and embarked in various programs aimed at lifting the poor condition of the province which was previously held by the once powerful Hofer clan.
He is also a staunch advocate of peace and development and supported various government programs in the province. His father, Romeo Jalosjos, was a former lawmaker and is being pushed by his supporters in Zamboanga City to run for mayor in 2013. (Mindanao Examiner)
20