Rival candidates claim victory in Isabela’s special poll

SANTIAGO CITY, Isabela — With more than 60 percent of the total votes cast still to be canvassed, the rival camps of Dr. Asuncion Abaya (Lakas-NUCD) and lawyer Giorgidi Aggabao (NPC), were already claiming victory in the recently held special congressional elections in the province’s fourth district.

While Abaya’s supporters staged a proclamation rally in front of the provincial capitol in Ilagan town, the Aggabao camp has already held their own victory fireworks Monday night.

As of 4 p.m. yesterday, Aggabao has 17,954 votes against Abaya’s 9,431 in the official but partial canvassing of votes by the Commission on Elections.

The result represents the total votes cast in the towns of San Isidro, Dinapigue, Jones and San Agustin. Election results from Echague, Alicia, Ramon and Cordon and Santiago City have yet to be canvassed as of press time.

Santiago City, conceded to be Abaya’s bailiwick, accounts for more than 60,000 votes followed by Echague with more than 30,000 votes.

Yesterday, Abaya’s supporters also reportedly massed in front of the provincial capitol in Ilagan protesting the alleged ballot switching and tampering of votes in favor of Aggabao.

They have attempted to enter the capitol building but were forced to back off when they were blocked by more than 100 anti-riot policemen and 50 battle-ready army soldiers.

"This is a normal procedure, a preventive measure to maintain peace and order in the capitol building," Police Senior Supt. Nelson Nario, provincial chief director said.