Political pot boils in Daanbantayan

CEBU, Philippines - Brgy captain accuses mayor of harassment, But Mayor Ma. Luisa Loot denies allegation

A barangay captain from Daanbantayan, north of Cebu, got a surprise visit yesterday while waiting for allies who were scheduled to pass through the municipality.

Instead of his party mates from the Liberal Party (LP), the incumbent mayor of Daanbantayan and a member of the opposition, Mayor Malou Loot, paid Bakhawan Barangay Captain Bernadito Luche Jr. a visit.

But it was far from a friendly visit, said Luche in an interview with The FREEMAN. He said that he was with some councilors and supporters of LP who were waiting for the caravan to pass through their barangay when suddenly the convoy of Loot arrived.

Escorted by around 10 men, Loot allegedly confronted him, said Luche, and told him that he could not assume his position as barangay captain since the lifting of his suspension has not gone through her. “Ingon siya dili pa kuno ko kalingkod kay siya kuno magbuot diri sa lungsod.” (She said I could not assume office until she says so.)

Luche was penalized with a two-year suspension by the municipal council for grave abuse of authority, oppression, serious misconduct and gross dishonesty. Last month, majority of the Provincial Board voted to cut down the suspension from three years to three months, stating that the three years was too harsh.

After serving three months, Luche said that he was to assume back office yesterday when Loot said that he cannot do so since he has not asked her permission.

Luche said that the Provincial Board has decided on the case, and there is nothing in the law that says he would need to ask permission from the incumbent mayor.

He claimed that prior his confrontation with Loot, her escorts tried to intimidate the people around him and one was seen carrying a gun but hid it when he saw that someone was taking a video.

Luche said that one escort tried to run after the person taking a video with his motorcycle but they stopped him. It was then that Loot confronted him, telling him “Pobre kang dako, wala pa ta naghuman. Puston tika ug kaso. Mag-abot ta sa dakong krus.” (I will file several cases against you. I am not finished with you yet.)

The convoy of Loot also crossed paths with the caravan of LP, where some of her aid were heard “angrily shouting” at those in the convoy not to block the way.

In the LP caravan was the party’s bet for governor and vice-governor, Atty. Hilario “Junjun” Davide III and Acting Governor Agnes Magpale, respectively. Also with them was LP’s bet for 4thdistrict representative Celestino Martinez III. Martinez will be running against 4th district Representative Benhur Salimbangon who is seeking reelection under One Cebu.

Martinez said that Bantayan should be one of those included in the election watchlist of the Commission on Election due to threats.

He said that it should not be the whole 4th district or Bogo city for that matter since their city does not have any imminent threat like that of Bantayan.

Salimbangon and Provincial Board member Sun Shimura have earlier mentioned that the 4th district should be placed under Comelec control since there have been reports, similar to the previous elections, where armed men were reportedly seen around the district specifically in Bogo city and Bantayan.

“I must admit, campaign period sauna there were a lot of concerns,” said Martinez, but added that for their part, they have done their part to secure a peaceful election.

He said that areas that might need to be under the watchlist of the Comelec is Tabuelan, Madridejos, Bantayan and Medellin.

“As far as we are concerned there is no need for armed men,” said Martinez, adding that he is willing to sign a peace covenant with the opposition but it would be the implementation that would be important.

Loot, for her part, denied she or her men harassed Luche. She instead accused Luche of harassing officials at the barangay hall when he tried to reassume his post following the Provincial Board’s decision.

Loot said that Luche just showed a mere letter of his lawyer, Braulio Arriola Jr. for him to assume office.

“Lalisonon pa man na sa balaud kay wa pa mi kadawat sa kopya sa order. Nag-andam nasad mi og motion for reconsideration,” Loot told The FREEMAN. (We filed a motion for reconsideration and we still have to receive a copy of the order.)

Loot said she went to the area to check what’s going on with his escorts but Luche and Arriola were no longer there.

The Sangguniang Bayan of Daanbantayan is set to call Luche on Friday to ask about the incident, said Loot.

Luche who is running for councilor under LP was reportedly asking the assistance of Davide and Magpale.

Loot said that not just because LP’s head is the President of the Republic that the right of a local government unit is stepped down.

During its opening salvo last Monday evening, Loot lashed out Davide and Magpale. Loot of the Nacionalista Party supports the bid of One Cebu’s gubernatorial candidate, Rep. Pablo John Garcia and runningmate, former Danao City vice mayor Ramon “Boboy” Durano IV, cousin of Magpale.

“Kung dunay mobotar kang Davide layas nalang sa Daanbantayan kay dili ka taga Daanbantayan,” Loot said. She added that the Garcias, since the time of then governor  Pablo Garcia up to Gwen, have done a lot of developments in the town.

“Dili nato kalimtan ang kaayuhan nga nahatag sa pamilyang Garcia nato dinhi sa Daanbantayan,” she said.

Loot also blamed Magpale for destroying the good relationship of Daanbantayan with the Garcias. “Kung mobotar mo ni Magpale, di gyud mo makatulog og tulo ka tuig, makonsensya gyud mo,” Loot added.

Luche said he has not gone back to the barangay hall, saying four of Loot’s men are guarding the area. He is calling his lawyers so they can have this reported at the police blotter. — (FREEMAN)