Poll bets’ supporters figure in ‘clash’

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna , Philippines — Tension broke out in a village in Los Baños, Laguna after supporters of two mayoral candidates crossed paths on Friday. Tension broke out in a village in Los Baños, Laguna after supporters of two mayoral candidates crossed paths on Friday.

The supporters of mayoral aspirant Anthony Genuino were headed to a caucus meeting at a covered court in Barangay Bambang when the supporters of his rival Rodel Pabalate reportedly blocked them.

Genuino’s spokesperson Miraflor Tado said they had a permit from the local government unit (LGU), allowing them to conduct an event at the venue.

Tado said the action of Pabalate’s supporters was illegal.

Pabalate’s sister and Barangay captain Arlyn delos Santos along with other local candidates and their legal counsel insisted that Genuino’s group did not secure a permit from the barangay.

More than 50 police personnel of the Regional Mobile Force Company and augmentation forces from the provincial and local police responded to prevent matters from escalating.

Congressional aspirant Efraim Genuino denounced the local police for allegedly mishandling the situation.

He said instead of dispersing Pabalate’s group, the police allowed them to block his supporters.

Genuino said Pabalate’s supporters intended to distract the caucus of his supporters.

He said the action of his rival’s supporters was politically motivated.

Both groups left after Genuino’s supporters decided to reschedule the meeting.

Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) police director Brig. Gen. Antonio Yarra and Laguna police  director  Col. Cecilio Ison ordered Los Baños police chief Lt. Col. Malaluan to ensure peaceful negotiations between the  two groups.

Ison said they would evaluate the situation to determine if Los Baños  could be considered an election hot spot.