Feliciano denies keeping goons

CEBU, Philippines — San Fernando town mayoralty bet Ruben Feliciano yesterday clarified that the four “armed men” arrested for shooting it out with the authorities are not his goons.  He classified them as his “supporters.”

In a press conference yesterday, Feliciano, assisted by his lawyer Vincent Isles, clarified that they are not out to harass any allied officials of his rival, Mayor Lakambini “Neneth” Reluya, who is seeking reelection for the mayoral seat.

Romeo Olis, Manuel Alidom, Anastacio Solis, and Prisco Tapales, who were earlier tagged as “goons,” were arrested in Barangay Bugho, San Fernando last Thursday.

Councilor Teodor Resogento, who is allied with Reluya, alleged that the “goons” were out to harass them.

However, Feliciano belied this and said that he was about to go to Bugho to campaign.

He said he was puzzled why he would harass people in a place where he intended to hold a campaign.

“Ngano mang-harass man ko sa lugar na akong kampanyahan? Naa ko didto padung pero pagkadungog nako sa pinusilay, niatras na mi dayon,” Feliciano said.

He added that they are his supporters, but does not know them personally.

Feliciano also said that the accusations are part of Reluya’s strategy to get sympathy votes for the upcoming May 13 midterm elections.

“Dili ko mang-harass, I am even putting my life in danger for this. Kana iya gibuhat, that is to get sympathy votes,” Feliciano said.

He said that if there is enough time, he would recommend that San Fernando be placed under Comelec control and there should be cops deployed. — GAN (FREEMAN)