Tensions rise prior to UNA miting de avance in Caloocan

MANILA, Philippines - Tension gripped Glorietta Park in Caloocan City yesterday morning after supporters of incumbent Mayor Enrico Echiverri of the Liberal Party allegedly refused to allow the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) to conduct its miting de avance in the area.

UNA is carrying Rep. Oscar Malapitan, who is being pitted against Echiverri’s son in the mayoralty race.

The mayor is running against Malapitan’s son for congressman.

The Northern Police District (NPD) deployed additional policemen in the area after supporters of both camps threw chairs at one another.

Orange and yellow clad supporters ended up taunting and mocking each other as police stood as a buffer between them.

According to Senior Supt. Pepito Pacada, NPD’s deputy district director for operations, tension rose after both camps argued over who should be allowed to use Glorietta Park.

A  barangay captain insisted on pushing through with supposedly scheduled basketball and cheering competitions.

Malapitan, on the other hand, said they had secured the necessary permits from the Comelec and the local government for UNA’s miting de avance as early as April 30.

“We informed them on April 30 that we will hold our miting de avance here but no action was taken. Under the law, a request for permit is deemed granted if no action is taken within three days,” said Malapitan.

“This isn’t the first time they blocked our campaign rallies,” he added.

In a separate interview, UNA campaign manager Toby Tiangco said they “will push through with the miting de avance.”

UNA lawyer Rene Richard Salazar said the Comelec should immediately intervene to prevent further violence.

He said the event sponsored by Mayor Echiverri and son Councilor Ricojudge Echiverri is being pushed through to harass UNA candidates.

“This is a desperate move by Cong. Oca’s political rivals. You will see that it is intentional. If they are being reasonable they should have denied the permit because the venue will be utilized for another event,” Salazar said. – Aie Balagtas See, Jose Rodel Clapano, Janvic Mateo