No lawlessness in Ilocos Sur, mayors insist

VIGAN CITY — The political divisions in Ilocos Sur appear to have been strained further as local mayors entered the fray the other day, denouncing as "unscrupulous" an opposition group’s claim of lawlessness prevailing in the province.

In a resolution, the Ilocos Sur Mayor’s League, headed by Santa Mayor Jesus Bueno Jr., charged that the opposition group was indulging in false accusations and character assassination, which it described as "products of (their) frustrations and desperation."

The mayors’ league said the opposition was promoting their "political ambitions" and personal interests in resorting to "black propaganda."

Earlier, the Save Ilocos Sur Alliance (SISA) had asked Gov. Deogracias Victor Savellano to resign for his alleged incapacity to avert crimes in the province.

The spate of unsolved killings, it said, has brought Ilocos Sur to a state of lawlessness.

Savellano, however, said the police are doing their best in probing crimes iand denied that lawlessness prevails in the province.

"As in other provinces, Ilocos Sur has its share of crimes but these are isolated incidents which are sensationalized by our critics to bolster their faltering cause," he told newsmen.

Bueno alleged that SISA and its allies are composed of "political losers" who are allegedly positioning again for next year’s elections.

"We strongly denounce the unscrupulous imputations in the print media of lawlessness in the province and hereby attest to the peaceful and orderly conditions in our municipalities," the mayors’ league resolution stated.

SISA has been critical of the provincial government and its officials, including former Gov. Luis "Chavit" Singson.

The group has also asked for the transfer of Senior Superintendent Mario Subagan, Ilocos Sur police director.