2 La Union bets stripped of police escorts

MANILA, Philippines - Two La Union candidates have been stripped of their police escorts following a near-encounter in Agoo town on Good Friday.

The candidates whose police escorts were ordered withdrawn by Philippine National Police chief Director General Jesus Verzosa were second district congressional candidate Dr. Eufranio Eriguel and Agoo mayoral bet Ma. Theresa Dumpit-Michellena.

Reports said Eriguel and 15 fully armed civilian bodyguards and two official police escorts aboard several vehicles surrounded the residence of Dumpit-Michellena in Barangay San Julian West at around 2:45 p.m. Friday apparently to rescue a supporter, a certain Roger.

Roger was reportedly caught and detained by the supporters of Dumpit-Michellana for disrupting their meeting at the candidate’s residence.

“What could have been a bloodbath was only prevented when our combined police and military troops arrived and intervened,” said Chief Superintendent Constante Azares, Ilocos regional police director.

Before the bursts of gunfire, a shouting match ensued between Eriquel and Dumpit-Michellena, Azares said.

“When our combined police and military troops arrived, they were already shooting at each other. However, 15 heavily armed civilians monitored to have been involved in the shooting were able to escape and we are now pursuing them,” Azares said.

Dumpit-Michellena is running against Eriguel’s wife, Sandra, the incumbent mayor of Agoo town.

Chief Inspector Julio Gorospe, Agoo police chief, was relieved from his post for failing to monitor the presence of armed civilians in his jurisdiction.

Six policemen – PO3 Ronald Carig and PO2 Jose Rebualos, who provided security to Dumpit-Michellena; SPO2 Mark Cera and PO3 Marturo Lachica, detailed with Eriguel; and SPO4 Antonio Casem and PO3 Romil Dacana, who were with Mayor Eriguel – have been placed under restrictive custody at the police regional office at Camp Oscar Florendo in San Fernando City.

A special task group has been formed to investigate the incident.