|
MANILA, Philippines (AP) - The Philippines election campaign erupted in more bloodshed Thursday as police protecting for rival politicians clashed north of Manila, killing four people and wounding 12 others, officials said.
The nighttime shootout at a roadblock in Nueva Ecija province came on top of 22 deaths reported earlier in connection with frenzied campaigning for the May 14 local and legislative elections.
Violence accompanies every election in the Philippines, where many politicians maintain private armies for protection as well as intimidation, while allegations of cheating and unlicensed weapons abound. Law enforcement is weak.
|