Zamboanga City (CNN Philippines) — Several policemen stood guard outside a Zamboanga City hotel.
Army troops imposed strict security screening at the media briefing, even checking under the tables. It was not President Benigno Aquino III who was about to arrive, but she could be his successor.
Independent presidential candidate Sen. Grace Poe is leading the surveys, in a statistical tie with Vice President Jejomar Binay. This makes Poe a security concern and the police and military are not taking their chances, especially after a recent assassination attempt on two foreigners right here in the city.
Related: Poe, Binay statistically tied for first in new Pulse Asia survey
For the first time since the start of the campaign, the “Team Galing at Puso” held an indoor rally on Friday (March 4) so that organizers would have full security control at the venue.
Also read: Escudero slips, now statistically tied with Marcos in new Pulse Asia survey
Tighter security
Authorities in Zamboanga are still trying to get to the bottom of Tuesday night’s (March 1) attack against a prominent Saudi cleric and a Saudi diplomat. That assassination attempt happened just minutes after a huge gathering inside the Western Mindanao State University.
Related: One killed, two other suspects arrested in shooting of Saudi nationals in Zamboanga City
The victims survived, the lone gunman was killed and two other suspects were arrested.
Charges of frustrated murder and attempted murder have been filed against the suspects.
But the family of one of the suspects, Mujier Abubakar, told CNN Philippines that he was just a fall guy.
Speculations are swirling in Zamboanga City regarding the motive for the attack, which is affecting other public gatherings including campaign sorties.
Election issue
The breakout of violence in some parts of Mindanao is something Poe will have to face, not only as a security matter, but also as an election issue.
Her critics said Mindanao would be too much for Poe to handle.
Related: Presidential aspirants offer solutions to issues in Mindanao
Poe said she would have to intensify her campaign in Mindanao, since this where she ranks the lowest in surveys. And she won’t let these security threats get in her way.
