Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada on Thursday said he doesn’t need additional bodyguards following the recent killings of two provincial mayors by still unidentified suspects.
The Manila chief executive said he fully understood that security measures need to be taken seriously, as he claimed that he has neither enemies in politics nor involvement in any illegal activities.
The former president is confident that he would not become a target of assassination like the late Mayor Antonio Halili of Tanauan, Batangas, who was shot dead by a sniper, or General Tinio, Nueva Ecija Mayor Ferdinand Bote, who was ambushed on his way to the municipal office.
Known as a pro-poor advocate, “Erap” said he will continue his regular duty to conduct inspections, attend meetings outside of the city hall, and visit barangays in Tondo, Malate, Sampaloc and other places in Manila.
The mayor claimed that he has no threats on his life, and his sworn duty is to protect and serve the residents of Manila, who needs more attention and financial assistance, rather than focusing on his own safety.
Estrada said his present bodyguards are enough to secure his safety, and the former actor is confident that Manileños are ready to protect him from being harmed by unscrupulous persons.
“My duty is to improve the lives of Manileños, and a public servant always sacrifices his life to uplift the lives of the people,” he said.
As a government official, Estrada said it is part of his duty to be exposed to dangers, especially to criminal elements whose interest is to earn money through illegal activities.
To prevent such an event in Manila and to protect Manileños, the mayor instructed the police to be alert and do their duty, not just to protect him but every city resident and the public as well.
