4 men nabbed for allegedly threatening supporter of Ecija mayoral bet

NUEVA ECIJA, Philippines — Four people were arrested Sunday after allegedly threatening a supporter of reelectionist Mayor Gonzalo Moreno.

Police Maj. Jaime Ferrer, town police chief, identified the suspects as Gilbert Valencia, Carlito Trinidad, Rodney Santos, and a minor.

Investigation showed that motorcycle-riding suspects who wore face masks went to the house of Agnes Hermano, 52, a resident of Barangay Bucot.

Hermano said the men forced her to go with them to the village hall.

“Takot na takot po ako dahil hindi ko sila kilala ( I was terrified because I do not know them),” Hermano said.

She said she refused to go with the suspect and told them the village peacekeepers should fetch her if it’s official business.

But she said the suspects allegedly accused her of “planning to buy votes.” Hermano managed to call the attention of roving policemen who arrested the suspects.

The suspects are facing light coercion charges, police said. (Editor: Eden Estopace)