No replacement yet for councilor Alicaway

CEBU, Philippines — No names have surfaced until now as possible replacement of slain San Fernando councilor Alexander Alicaway.

Vice Mayor Fralz Sabalones said that until now they do not know who will replace the vacant position caused by Alicaway’s death. The vice mayor, however, assured that the council’s work was not hampered by his absence.

According to Sabalones, the remaining members of the Municipal Council continue to tackle important measures. He said the selection of Alicaway’s replacement in the council had to follow the process under the law.

"Dunay procedure particularly, pero ato pa gihan-ay, mura party appointment man," he said.

Under the rules, the party that has caused the vacancy shall have the right to nominate the replacement. Alicaway ran and won in 2016 elections under the banner of the Nationalist People's Coalition.

Meanwhile, Sabalones admitted that the killing of Alicaway has alarmed the town officials. He said they have beefed up their security after the incident.

"Grabing kabalaka kay wala ta kahibaw ingon ana (nga) kahimtang. Karon matag panahon nga naay session naa na gyuy police visibility," he said.

Sabalones, however, believes that the incident was not connected to politics. The municipal government has already offered P200,000 reward for any information leading to the solution of the case.

Alicaway was shot dead by still unidentified gunmen in Barangay South Poblacion last March 14 in the afternoon. The gunmen were wearing full-faced helmets. The police are yet identify the culprits and the motives. —FPL (FREEMAN)