Tarlac local bet allegedly slaps Comelec officer over posters

CAMILING, Tarlac — Lawyer Marty Franz Toralba, who is running for provincial board member, on Monday underwent inquest proceedings after a complaint of grave misconduct was filed against him for allegedly slapping a Commission on Elections (Comelec) officer.

Police arrested Toralba moments after he reportedly slapped Teddy Mariano, 59, Comelec officer III, during the takedown of illegal campaign posters here on Saturday morning.

Toralba’s campaign materials were painted on the walls along sidewalks in Sitio Camartinezan in the villages of Malacampa and Cacamilingan Norte in this town, police said.

In a police report obtained by the Inquirer, investigators said Toralba was also heard threatening Mariano after the alleged slapping incident.

Police said Toralba was quoted as telling Mariano: “Kung may mamatay sa tao ko, may mamatay din sa tao mo. Lika at magsuntukan tayo.”

Toralba also allegedly hurled invectives at Mariano while both were in the police station, prompting police to restrain the local candidate.

Police on Monday said they have recommended to Tarlac Police Provincial Office Validation Committee that the incident be considered as election related.

The Inquirer tried to reach Toralba for comments but he has yet to give reply, as of this posting.