Danao mayoral aspirant rejects Comelec control

CEBU — Mayoralty candidate Jesus "Don" Durano threatened to boycott the May 10 polls if the Commission on Elections (Comelec) would place Danao City under its control as requested by the camp of his brother and political rival, Ramonito "Nito" Durano.

Jesus opposed such a move, saying that there is no election-related peace and order problem in the city.

He told radio station dyLA that placing the city under Comelec control would benefit his opponent, incumbent Mayor Ramonito Durano, and would diminish his chances of winning.

Jesus claimed that when Danao City was placed under Comelec control during the 2001 elections, the military and the police were allegedly biased for the administration.

He admitted that the presence of a private army in Danao is inevitable during the political season although he denied maintaining one.

Danao is known to be a haven of illegal gun manufacturers.

Earlier, fifth district Rep. Joseph Ace Durano, a son of Ramonito, asked the Comelec to place Danao under its control for fear of political violence.

The Durano siblings’ political rivalry started in 2001 when Jesus decided to break away from Ramonito.

Ramonito’s son, Ramon Jr., is the incumbent vice mayor of Danao. Three other family members are city councilors. — Freeman News Service