Davao del Sur governor hits detained ex-gov’s ‘theatrics’

DIGOS CITY, Philippines—Davao del Sur Gov. Claude Bautista on Tuesday said he is ignoring what he said were “political theatrics” by former Gov. Douglas Cagas, who is now detained for the murder of a journalist.

Cagas has been accusing Bautista of orchestrating the revival of the case against him and three others for the June 2010 murder of journalist Nestor Bedolido.

His wife, Rep. Mercedes Cagas (first district, Davao del Sur) has also been giving regular media interviews criticizing Bautista for the fate that befell her husband.

But Bautista told reporters that he would rather concentrate on provincial government programs than pay attention to Cagas’ theatrics.

It was Justice Secretary Leila de Lima who ordered the filing of charges against Cagas in court. Cagas surrendered on Oct. 20, more than an hour before Judge Carmelita Davin issued the warrant for his arrest. Also ordered arrested were Matanao, Davao del Sur Mayor Vicente Fernandez and two others.

“My priority is to help uplift the living condition of the people in the province,” said Bautista.

He said in Barangay Aplaya here for example, a livelihood program benefited fishermen and housewives.

Ten fishermen’s groups in the village received loans for purchases of fishing boats while housewives get P5,000 start up capital for livelihood they could think of, Bautista added. Eldie Aguirre, Inquirer Mindanao