Mayoralty bet''s supporters claim houses were torched

Two political supporters of Pinamungajan mayoralty candidate Glenn Baricuatro sought assistance from the police and provincial officials claiming unidentified men set fire to their houses last Tuesday night.

Nasario Baridido and Hilario Candole reported the incidents to Baricuatro, seeking protection against those who harassed them.

Baridido and Candoles, who lived in the remote barangays Sambang and Sibago, some 18 kilometers from the town proper, said prior to the incidents, they saw four men wearing jackets and bonnets near their houses.

However, no one was hurt during the two fire incidents, the first of which happened in the house of Baridido.

Baricuatro, Jesus Cerna and Geraldine Yapha have been contesting the mayoralty post of Pinamungajan, a bailiwick of third district congressman and gubernatorial candidate AntonioYapha,

Geraldine is the daughter of Rep. Yapha, who is serving his third and last term in Congress.

"We feel that they (political opponents) are starting to harass our leaders," Baricuatro said.

Gov. Gwen Garcia, the chairwoman of the Central Visayas Peace and Order Council, urged police authorities to investigate the fire incidents.

"This matter should be investigated," said Garcia, who promised financial and relief assistance to the victims. - Garry B. Lao/LPM