PNP to verify report on Kiram assassination plot

Sultan of Sulu Jamalul Kiram III. AP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine National Police said Wednesday that it will verify claims of an assassination plot against Sultan Jamalul Kiram III, but added that security details can be provided if found needed, a PNP official said.

Chief Superintendent Generoso Cerbo Jr. said PNP has tasked a particular unit to verify the veracity of the report claiming that a foreign hit squad arrived in the country to assassinate Kiram and his adviser Pastor “Boy” Saycon.

Sultanate spokesman Abraham Idjirani claimed that the alleged hit squad has stayed at the Maxim’s Hotel in Pasay City.

“It’s the job of the PNP to secure every individual in need of protection. . .and Kiram wouldn’t be an exemption,” the PNP spokesman said, but added that Kiram can make a request for security detail if he feels he needs it immediately.

He said police units in Taguig City can also enhance police visibility in the area. But so far, Kiram hasn’t made any request for added security.

Cerbo also said that he has not received reports from PNP’s intelligence unit about a group of assassins that entered the country, but said information gathering is continuing.