Mayoral bet convicted of illegal logging arrested

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — A mayoral candidate in the 2022 elections in Paracelis, Mountain Province, who was convicted of illegal logging, was arrested in Barangay Loc-ong in Poblacion, Bontoc on Tuesday.

Avelino Amangyen, 63, garnered the most number of votes among three candidates for the post, but was disqualified due to his conviction.

Paracelis Mayor Marcos Ayangwa, who ranked second, filed an election protest, noting that Amangyen is wanted for committing a crime.

Amangyen went into hiding after the Commission on Elections canceled his certificate of candidacy for failing to declare his conviction.