Pangasinan mayor accused of beating up rival’s supporters

DASOL, Pangasinan, Philippines – The mayor of this town, who is running for re-election, and his henchmen were accused of beating up at least five supporters of his opponent following a traffic altercation. 

Benjamin de los Santos, lawyer of Eric Versoza, son of former Philippine National Police chief Jesus Versoza, told The STAR they would file a complaint for slight physical injuries, malicious mischief and grave threats against Mayor Noel Nacar and his men before the provincial prosecutor’s office in Alaminos City tomorrow. 

De los Santos said police records identified the victims as Robert Canilang, a resident of Barangay Hermosa; Archie Nomus of Barangay Bobonot; Roger Valderama of Barangay Amalbalan; Pedro Balatico of Barangay Gais; and Robert Naranja of Barangay San Vicente.

Nacar’s men were identified as Amado Balaoing, Reynaldo Balaoing, Romeo Verzosa and Jesus Reyes.

Senior Inspector Roderick Gonzales, Dasol police chief, said the incident occurred at around 6 p.m. last April 1.

Nacar allegedly got angry when Versoza’s motorcycle-riding supporters blocked his vehicle. 

The victims alleged Nacar ordered his driver to follow them and berated and beat them up when they caught up with them.  

Gonzales said Nacar and Versoza attended a meeting held at the office of election officer Myra Sajonas a day after the incident. 

“The parties agreed to hold their respective campaigns in peaceful and orderly manner but we respected their decision to file redress in court,” he said.  

Councilor Rizaldy Bernal, who is running for re-election under Nacar’s team, told The STAR that the mayor would also file a complaint against the five supporters of Versoza. 

Nacar, president of the Pangasinan Mayors’ League, is running under the Nationalist People’s Coalition. Versoza, 29, is a candidate of the Liberal Party.