Noval turns in reins of Compostela town

CEBU, Philippines – After five months of serving as the caretaker of Compostela town, Department of Interior and Local Government-7 Regional Director Pedro Noval has formally relinquished this position.

The responsibility of Compostela caretaker now belongs to Jerome Gonzales, the officer-in-charge of the Cebu Provincial Local Government Office.

Noval confirmed the turnover was conducted at the Compostela municipal hall last Wednesday afternoon.

He thanked the department heads and employees of Compostela for providing him full support during his incumbency.

Noval clarified that since day one, when he assumed as caretaker, he recommended to their central office to appoint another person as the town's caretaker because of his duties and responsibilities as regional director of the DILG-7.

"Daghan pa kaayo kita og mga gimbuhaton sa atong departamento unya nadungan sa laing problema sa lungsod sa Compostela," he said.

The clarification was made following insinuations that his replacement as caretaker was because of his conflict with Cebu 5th district Rep. Ramon "Red" Durano VI.

He further said that the month of November and December is the time for evaluation and being the regional director of DILG it is his responsibility to determine the performance of all people in Central Visayas. "Daghan na kaayo ta og mga gimbuhaton unya dili na sad nato matagad ang mga problema sa Compostela," Noval said.

Noval assumed as caretaker of Compostela after the Commission on Elections Central Office ordered the suspension of the proclamation of Mayor-elect Joel Quiño, Vice Mayor-elect Nanette Dangoy and eight councilors-elect.

Defeated mayoralty aspirant Ritchie Wagas filed his petition before the Comelec Manila questioning the alleged irregularities during the May 10 elections in favor of Quiño's camp.

Residents of Compostela want the immediate resolution of the problem saying that the delivery of basic services in the town is being affected by the present situation.

Durano has also asked Comelec Manila to resolve the dispute in Compostela town. -/BRP (FREEMAN)