Benhur to sue Martinezes over standoff

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Fourth District Rep. Benhur Salimbangon yesterday said he will file a complaint against Mayor Celestino “Junie” Martinez Jr., his wife Clavel Asas-Martinez, his son Celestino “Tining” Martinez and others because of the Pulangbato standoff last election day.

Salimbangon said his lawyers are now studying other charges to be filed against Martinez, members of the city anti-crime volunteers and their lawyers for illegal detention and threats.

"Grabe na kaayo ang ilang gibuhat nako ug sa akong pamilya, di na ni mahimo," Salimbangon said.

He said the public also experienced problems when the Martinezes and their supporters blocked his vehicles.

Salimbangon said he went to the Pulangbato Elementary School after he received reports that his supporters were being harassed by the barangay captain of Pulangbato, a supporter of Martinez.

But Salimbangon said when they arrived at the school Junie was already there and accused him of having firearms inside his vehicles.

Martinez demanded that the vehicles of Salimbangon should be searched by the police, but the police refused saying they had no warrant and there was no probable cause to do so.

After nine hours the vehicles were eventually allowed the place after some negotiation by Police Regional Office-7 director Lani-o Nerez, but not before Salimbangon had to be escorted away from his vehicles by his supporters.

The tense standoff affected traffic, especially trucks headed for Masbate that were making their way to the port. – THE FREEMAN