Tuesday, April 24, 2007 Madridejos bet also wants town under poll body’s control
THE group of Madri-dejos mayoralty candidate Salvador de la Fuente will be asking the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to put their town under Comelec control.
De la Fuente’s lawyer, Bernardito Florido, said it is for preventive purposes to avoid further escalating the violence in the northern town in Bantayan Island.
Florido also said that putting the area under Comelec control is the only way to keep his client and his relatives safe because they received reports that there will be trouble before the proclamation, if de la Fuente wins.
Ambush
De la Fuente denied there was an ambush in their town but said that last April 17, his supporter Edwin Hortelano was approached by two men, identified as William Macawili and Cris Maru, and was slapped twice on his face allegedly by Maru.
Maru also allegedly said, “Nganong nag istambay man mo diri? Inyo ning Lawis? Panibat na mo diri basin mabalikan pa mo namo (Why are you here? Is Lawis yours. Leave this place or else we will come back.)”
Hortelano left and minutes later, Hortelano heard gunshots.
De la Fuente said they suspect that the reports of ambush were just staged scenarios to discredit their group.
Florido said they will be filing criminal complaints against Macawili and Maru.
When asked if they will include Madridejos Mayor Lety Mancio in their complaint, considering that the two were identified as her supporters, Florido said they do not have direct evidence against Mancio as of now.
Keep cool
Meanwhile, the parish priest of Bantayan town is asking the candidates to keep their cool and ensure a peaceful election.
Fr. Antonio Medida issued the call over radio dyLA after hearing reports that there are armed men in their place. (MBG)
