Bets’ backers throng Tuburan Treasurer and Comelec offices

CEBU, Philippines - There was tension for about two hours last Saturday afternoon in the offices of the Municipal Treasurer and the Commission on Elections in Tuburan town after supporters of former mayor and mayoralty candidate Rose Gerona Suezo, and her running mate Daphnie Lagoon, thronged to the said offices.

According to a police report Suezo and her supporters angrily arrived at the municipal treasurer's office to question why they were not informed about the delivery of the official ballots for the May 13 election.

Some of Suezo's supporters reportedly chased Election Officer Gilbert Pepito who immediately ran towards the police station for security.

“Gipangita siya sa mga tawo ni Suezo mao nga diri ni-proceed sa ato area kay ang mga tawo nadungan man nga nato nga nag-demand nga ipa-Comelec control ang lugar. Ato siya gi-secure,” said police station chief Sr. Insp. Florendo Fajardo.

Fajardo admitted that they were even caught off-guard when the ballots arrived without prior notice. He assured that the ballots and the Precinct Count Optical Scan Machines that also arrived yesterday will be secured and well-guarded.

Lagoon denied there was any commotion.

She said that on that day, their supporters were dismayed after learning that Mayor Democrito “Aljun” Diamante will not attend the debate initiated by the Commission on Elections in the said town.

“Pero na-threaten gyud ang among mga supporters sa dihang nahibaw-an namo nga dili mopirma ang mayor sa peace covenant,” said Lagoon.

Lagoon added that with the refusal of Diamante to sign the peace covenant, they suspect that there will be some trouble on election day.

“Nganong mupirma man ko og peace covenant? Dili ko mupirma ana. Sila man ang nagdala og gubot sa Tuburan, dili man ako," said Diamante.

Diamante added that the supporters of Lagoon and Suezo were very rude when they "attacked" the municipal hall, where the election ballots were kept.

Lagoon added that their supporters' fears mounted especially when the election ballots arrived without their knowledge.

“Nganong mahadlok man sila nga naa ra man na ang mga balota ngadto sa munisipyo. Ngano hadlok silang matikasan? Kay ngano? Mao tingale na ilang binuhatan,” said Diamante.

Suezo was not available for comment yesterday. - /BRP (FREEMAN)