Compostela town security beefed-up

CEBU, Philippines - A text message coming from an unknown sender prompted director Pedro Noval of the Department of the Interior and Local Government to request over 50 policemen to prevent a reported plan to take over the Municipal Hall of Compostela by the supporters of mayor-elect Joel Quiño.

Noval, who is acting mayor of the town, asked for augmentation force from Cebu Provincial Police Office director Patrocinio Comendador last Sunday evening after he received information that Quiño and his supporters were again planning to take over the municipal building yesterday.

Quiño denied the report but said he will not be surprised if there are people planning to take over the Municipal Hall out of frustrations. He said that the people of Compostela are already furious of the fact that nobody is in charge to take care of their needs.

Quiño said the residents are complaining that they cannot ask any help from the municipal government because nobody is there. The people are also complaining of the dilapidated roads in the barangays that are not being attended to by the municipal government.

Noval explained that because of the limited resources and power he has as acting mayor, he cannot provide financial assistance to the residents. There is also no budget for infrastructure projects like road repairs.

Noval is requesting Quiño to uphold the rule of law and maintain the peace and order of the town.

Contrary to the information, however, the town was peaceful yesterday. There was no attempt to take over or even demonstration of political supporters outside the municipal building.

A lot of police personnel however were deployed around the building to prevent any eventuality.

Acting Compostela police chief Florencio Balila Jr. said that they were only doing a preemptive measure.

“Basin matinuod ang text and ma-caught unaware unya mi,” Balila said.

Chief Inspector Resty Santos, head of the augmentation force, said that they are to prevent possible force entry of any group.

The town did not have elected officials after the Commission on Elections has annulled the proclamation of the winning candidates in the last May 2010 elections because of the election protest filed by former mayor Ritchie Wagas who lost to Quiño.

The protest remains unresolved by the Comelec until now. (FREEMAN)