ACTING Ronda Vice Mayor Rocky Gabatan and Police Insp. Renato Albuera never thought tragedies would lead them to bigger responsibilities.
Following the death of Ronda Mayor Mariano Blanco III last Wednesday and that of Vice Mayor Jonah John Ungab earlier this year, Gabatan, then first councilor of the town, was raised two ranks higher within the year.
Gabatan told SunStar Cebu that despite rising to the town’s highest seat, he was not happy as he had to lose two close friends and allies in the process.
Gabatan started his political career as a barangay kagawad of Poblacion in 2011 to 2013.
When Gabatan ran for town councilor back in 2013, he sought Blanco’s blessing to include him in his line-up.
But since Blanco’s line-up was already completed, Gabatan was told by the late mayor to instead run as an independent candidate.
When he ran for councilor, he topped the race.
After winning as councilor, Blanco took him into his group.
Gabatan described Blanco as a “father figure,” especially to his colleagues in the municipal council.
“Mohatag siya’g advice kabahin sa panggobyerno ug sa politika. Mo-jamming sad siya namo (He would advise us on political matters. He got along well with us),” Gabatan said.
Last Tuesday, Blanco summoned him into his office for lunch.
Gabatan said they talked about preparations for the town’s annual fiesta.
After their lunch, Gabatan left Blanco to go home. He didn’t expect it would be his last conversation with the mayor.
He was shocked to learn about the mayor’s death the next day.
“Nasakitan gyod mi naghunahuna nga wala na siya. Mora mig nawagtangan og amahan (It hurts. It feels like we have lost a father),” Gabatan said.
For his part, Albuera was thrust to his current position as police chief of Ronda due to a controversy.
The former deputy police chief of Minglanilla was appointed head of Ronda’s police after his predecessor, Senior Insp. Jay-R Palcon, was relieved from his post.
Palcon and 10 of his personnel were relieved by the Police Regional Office 7 following reports that they failed to respond immediately to the report of Blanco’s killing, even if the police station was just a few meters from the municipal hall.
Born in Barangay San Roque, Cebu City, Albuera rose from the ranks until he became a police inspector last April.
Albuera told SunStar Cebu that he was instructed by Cebu Provincial Police Director Senior Supt. Manuel Abrugena to keep the peace in the town, especially since the town is preparing for its annual fiesta.
He refused to comment on whether police officers are involved in Blanco’s death.
He said he leaves the investigation to the special task force organized by the Police Regional Office 7 to the case.