Aleli-Ibuna word war intensifies

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — The word war between the two women in the life of the late Rep. Ignacio “Iggy” Arroyo heated up at his wake in Hinigaran, Negros Occidental, and the intensity made hotter when the Church and the DepEd officials got involved in the fray.

This started on Tuesday when Aleli Arroyo, Iggy’s second wife, and Grace Ibuna, Iggy’s long-time partner, crossed paths at the St. Mary Magdalene Church in Hinigaran where a three-night wake was held.

The tension became more apparent during the necrological service organized by the local DepEd Tuesday afternoon when Ibuna was called to address the crowd, while Aleli, who was seated at the family area, was not acknowledged.

The nuns accompanying Aleli hurled criticisms at the organizers, while she commented: “How can they let someone like her (Ibuna) speak in the house of God?”

Parish priest Fr. Greg Patiño, however said he had nothing to do with Ibuna’s speech, and that everyone is welcome in his church—both sinners and saints. “This church is for the sinners and if you think you are a saint, you don’t need to go here and cleanse your soul,” he said.

DepEd’s Dr. Lora Mohametano told reporters they were not aware Aleli was at the wake. She justified the acknowledgment of Ibuna whom she said they were grateful for, as she facilitated a lot of projects for them from the late congressman.

Constituents of the 5th district, some government officials, and reporters watched with bated breath as Ibuna, in a black dress, was calmly sitting in the front pew near the coffin, when Aleli entered the church Tuesday noontime with her daughter Alelu and proceeded straight to the coffin.

Aleli’s arrival was preceded by a minor incident, when an electric fan beside Iggy’s coffin had a shortcircuit and emitted fumes. The smokes were immediately extinguished by the church staff.

Right after viewing Iggy’s body, the verbal tussle started when Aleli entertained media interviews. “As far as I’m concerned she (Ibuna) is not existing,” Aleli said when asked if she didn’t mind that Ibuna was also at the wake.

Aleli said that what is sad in the Philippines is that about 80 percent of its population are Catholics, where Catholicism mandates that a man should only have one wife. “I do not know why there is another woman. For me Iggy has only wife,” she said.

When pressed for her reaction on Ibuna’s presence at the wake, Aleli said, “It does not matter, I don’t really care who she is.”

Ibuna, when interviewed later about Aleli’s tirades, said, “I don’t want to comment on anything. I am really grieving. My priority is Iggy’s peace at the moment.”

“I would like to keep his dignity intact for he is really a respectable man. I think he deserves better. I love him unconditionally,” Ibuna said. “I will swallow all these for Iggy. They can say whatever they want. I’m doing this for him. I am closing my eyes. I am praying to God because I love him. I will keep my peace for Iggy’s sake,” she added.

In an interview prior to Aleli’s visit, Ibuna said she is going to say her piece after the wake. “I would just like to clarify for my family’s sake. Alam nyo hindi na bata ang mga magulang ko. Umiiyak din sila. Ang mga kapatid ko, lalo na ang mga anak ko. Just to clear things and straighten the records,” she said.

The word war and legal tussle between Ibuna and Aleli have started even immediately after Iggy died of cirrhosis in London on Jan. 26. The two women fought in court over custody of his body.

Finally, a London court, based on the stipulations of Iggy’s will, has granted joint custody of Iggy’ remains to Ibuna who, with his daughter Bernardina Arroyo-Tantoco, was with the congressman at the time of his death.

“I am very grateful. I am very overwhelmed, I am over the top. I know kung nasaan man si Iggy ngayon I’m sure umiiyak sa tuwa yon. Dahil hindi nya ini-expect, pareho kami, I know him very well and I can almost feel his happiness,” Ibuna said.

Observers said many people in the 5th district “gravitated” towards Ibuna, shaking her hand and kissing her to express their condolences.

Patiño said the wake is for Iggy but the same person really creates problem both in life and in death, but he refused to name names. - THE FREEMAN