New Ilocos Norte town Mayor gets death threats

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines  – Tension lingers in Dingras town in Ilocos Norte after its woman mayor was unseated by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) last week.

Its newly installed mayor, Erdio Valenzuela, who was sworn into office by Gov. Imee Marcos last Friday, said he is now getting death threats.

“There are text messages roaming around town that I will be the next target of assassination and I will not stay long (in office),” Valenzuela said.

The Comelec installed Valenzuela after finally ruling on the disqualification of former mayor Marynette Gamboa, who has been tagged in various killings in her town.

The latest victim was town councilor Randolf Magno Sr. who was killed last Maundy Thursday.

For his part, Vice Mayor Ruben Marcos said he also received a text message hinting that he would be the next mayor of this town.