Poll-related shootings in Tuburan

CEBU, Philippines - The election was over a week ago but political tension still hangs in Tuburan, midwestern Cebu.

Supporters of Mayor-elect Aljun Diamante and rival Rose Suezo reportedly had a feud.

Cebu Provincial Police Office Director Patrocinio Comendador directed Sr. Insp. Florendo Fajardo, Tuburan police chief, to hold a dialogue between Suezo and Diamante as well as with their supporters to restore peace.

Last Tuesday, Lelinio Montebon, 31, of Barangay Sumon and campaign leader of Diamante, was shot dead while sleeping outside his house at 10:00 p.m.

Montebon, market guard, was sleeping when an unidentified man went inside his house and shot him several times with the use of undetermined caliber of firearm. Montebon died on the spot.

Four empty shells and a slug were found.

The next evening, Elsie Marabago, 35, of Barangay Sandayong and Suezo’s supporter, was also injured in the leg after she was shot by Diamante’s supporter, Antonio Malinao.

SPO4 Carlo Canseko, investigator, said Malinao was believed to be under the influence of liquor when he ran amok outside his house and indiscriminately fired his handgun several times as he challenged Rosalito Marabago, the victim’s husband.

“Na-open na ang mga bangi sa pulitika apil na tong gipusil (Montebon),”Canseko said in a phone interview.

It was at this juncture when Elsie tried to confront Malinao which resulted in an argument. Malinao then shot Elsie, hitting her in the left leg.

Malinao was arrested but police failed to recover the firearm.

Comendador said that supporters still have a hangover from the political season which is common in other areas also.

“Supporters na lang ang init ron that is why I told Fajardo to conduct a dialogue to wind up and emphasize that we have to go to the process nga malinawon kay naa pa ang bitterness ana,” Comendador said.

Comendador called supporters of both parties to calm down and not to fuel the rivalry more so as not to create a tension.

The Provincial Public Safety Battalion and the Armed Forces of the Philippines are still on standby in the area.  (FREEMAN)