Peace covenant proposed for Bogo

CEBU, Philippines - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Bogo City is waiting for the final draft of the proposed "peace covenant" of the local candidates in city which is considered as one of the high risk areas in Cebu this May 13.

Bogo City Election Officer Michael Angelo Sarno in an interview with The Freeman yesterday said that lawyers of the Salimbangons and the Martinezes initially met last week for the drafting of the peace covenant.

Sarno said that the legal counsels of both parties met with him and discuss the said proposal.

"As of now, I am waiting for the final draft which will be agreed by both parties before we can come up with a peace covenant and signed by the candidates," Sarno said.

The Salimbangons and Martinezes have been political enemies.

"Ako uyon kaayo ko anang peace covenant. Wala may kandidato nga gusto og gubot. Maayo unta nga madayon na. Ang among kampo gusto gyud og peace," said Daphne Salimbangon, who is running for mayor against incumbent Mayor Celestino "Junie" Martinez. (I am for that, who wouldn't? Everybody wants peace.)

Salimbangon, daughter of incumbent Fourth District Representative Benhur Salimbangon, said they do not want a repeat of what happened to them in the 2010 election when they were almost hostaged by the other camp.

"Dili na mi gusto nga mahitabo pa to og usab. Maayo unta mosugot ang mga Martinez sa peace covenant," the neophyte politician said.

Salimbangon added that his lawyer already emailed their proposal to Martinez's legal counsel, Ace Escolar, and they are now waiting for the latter's counter proposal.

The Martinezes were holding power in Bogo City, their bailiwick, for over 20 years already.

The Freeman tried to contact former Bogo mayor and congressman Celestino "Tining" Martinez III for comment but he was not available as of press time.

The younger Martinez is now running as congressman against the older Salimbangon.

Sarno added that during their initial talks with the legal counsels of both camps, they are open for a peace covenant.

Sarno and the legal counsels are set to meet on May 8, 2013.

"I hope both parties can come up with a reasonable terms and conditions so that we can come up with an action plan," Sarno added. – (FREEMAN)