CEBU, Philippines - Compostela policemen are now on a red alert status after Department of Interior and Local Government 7 Director Pedro Noval, the town’s acting mayor, received rumors that supporters of mayor-elect Joel Quiño will conduct a rally again.
In an interview, Noval said he has been receiving reports since last week that Quiño’s supporters will have another strike, prompting him to order the police to maintain peace and order. He also asked police intelligence to verify the reports.
“We have to prevent what had happened last May 11, and as much as possible, we have to face them squarely,” Noval said.
Last May 11, supporters of Quiño’s slate held a rally that paralyzed the operations of the town government. Quiño took over the municipal building while his supporters gathered in front of the hall to protect him. He was joined by Vice Mayor-elect Nenette Dangoy and Councilors-elect Tessa Cang, Joy Abing, Joy Ann Cabatingan, Wilfredo Calo, Homer Canen, Jose Cagang and Titing Oliverio.
Noval added yesterday that he will allow rallies as long as they will have a permit, otherwise, these people should not enter the premises of the municipal hall.
However, a contingency plan is already in place in case of another rally.
Noval, Compostela’s caretaker, stressed that the previous rally was illegal. He advised Quiño’s camp to wait for the decision of the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
Senior Inspector Rodrigo Giangan, former Compostela chief, tried to blocked the main door of the building after four men destroyed the padlock and entered the lobby.
When asked about his earlier move to pull the augmentation police force from the Cebu Provincial Police Office out of Compostela due to lack of budget, Noval denied this, saying the reinforcement forces would remain in the town until the stalemate is solved.
“If we have to equate what will happen compared to how much we spent, that’s nothing,” Noval explained.
He said they have to protect government properties, enforce applicable laws and file appropriate charges, if necessary.
The money that the town is using now to maintain peace and order is taken from the intelligence fund of the town. – (FREEMAN)