Ilocos town has 2 mayors

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines – The Ilocos Norte police braced for possible violence between supporters of two candidates who ran for mayor of Marcos town, both of whom were sworn into office Sunday. 

“The PNP in Marcos is on alert status,” said Ilocos Norte police spokesman Superintendent Jeffrey Gorospe.

He said they have deployed more police officers to the town to prevent a clash between the supporters of Arsenio Agustin and Salvador Pillos.

Agustin took his oath before Gov. Imee Marcos amid reports that the poll body nullified his certificate of candidacy (COC) due to his dual citizenship.

Pillos, who lost to Agustin by around 1,000 votes, also took his oath, saying he should assume the mayoral post after his rival’s COC was canceled.

Pillos took his oath before Barangay Pacifico chairman Alexander Navarro. He claimed he is the legal winner in the May elections as he noted the writ of execution issued by the court canceling the certificate of candidacy of Agustin.

Agustin claimed he is the real mayor as he was proclaimed by the municipal board of canvassers.

Data from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) office in Ilocos Norte showed that Agustin garnered 5,020 votes while Pillos got 4,216.

Pillos arrived early yesterday at the municipal hall grounds for the flag-raising ceremony while Agustin came an hour late.

A dialogue was held between the lawyers of the two parties. – Charlie Lagasca, Raymund Catindig, Artemio Dumlao