Warring Batangas clans sign peace pact

MANILA, Philippines - Two warring political clans in Bauan, Batangas signed a peace accord over the weekend, ending what authorities said was “retaliatory” violence between their members and supporters.

With the peace covenant in place, Chief Superintendent Samuel Pagdilao Jr., Calabarzon police director, said there is no longer a need to deploy a peacekeeping force to maintain peace and order in Bauan town.

Bauan townsfolk have been gripped by fear since provincial board member Herminigildo Dolor was shot and wounded at the provincial capitol on March 11 last year. The gunman, Army Pfc. Jonathan Angon, was killed by responding policemen.

The failed slay try was followed by threats to Mayor Rhyan Dolor, Vice Mayor Johnny Magboo and councilor Hero Dolor, as well as to the relatives and followers of the Dolors.

Members of the rival clan, the Bantugons, also reported threats to their lives, which were validated by police intelligence units.

These threats were later followed by a number of killings, getting the attention of Philippine National Police chief Director General Raul Bacalzo.

Bacalzo, who hails from Batangas, directed Pagdilao to act decisively to prevent more violence in Bauan.

Scions of the Dolor and Bantugon clans signed the peace covenant at the Archbishop’s Palace in Lipa City over the weekend.

Witnessing the event were Pagdilao, Batangas Archbishop Ramon Arguelles, Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto, and Chief Superintendent Lina Sarmiento, who represented Bacalzo.

Those who signed the document were board member Herminigildo Dolor, Bauan Mayor Rhyan Dolor, former Bauan councilor Leonardo Bantugon Sr. and Nilo Bantugon.

Even before the worsening peace and order caught Bacalzo’s attention, Pagdilao said he had relieved the Bauan police chief from his post and replaced half of the town’s police force with members of the Regional and Provincial Public Safety Battalions.