Poll feud heats up in Malabon

MANILA, Philippines - The acting barangay chairman of Longos, Malabon City sought police assistance yesterday after the suspended village chairman reportedly announced that he would come back to assume the post.

Acting Longos chairman Jojo Alvarez told The STAR that on Sunday, Ernesto dela Cruz – father of actress Angelica dela Cruz – informed them that he would be reporting for work yesterday as head of the barangay.

Tension rose when Dela Cruz’ supporters gathered near the barangay hall in preparation for the supposed takeover.

Alvarez said Dela Cruz was suspended for 31 days after he filed a case against him before the Ombudsman for trying to strangle him. The acting village chairman said Dela Cruz’s suspension ended on Oct. 5.

However, Alvarez said Mayor Antolin Oreta III sent Dela Cruz a letter on Sept. 20 informing him that the Ombudsman has ordered his dismissal due to graft case filed by councilman Marvin Alameda and three others.

The order of the Ombudsman reportedly came out on May 28.

Alvarez said Dela Cruz claimed to have not received Oreta’s letter.

The STAR tried but failed to get Dela Cruz’s side.

As this developed, Angelica has reportedly announced that she is going to run for barangay chairman. She will be pitted against Alvarez and another councilman who is reportedly her cousin.