Uy, Jalosjos families in Zamboanga del Norte showdown

Candidates for elective posts in Polanco, Zamboanga del Norte, led by incumbent Mayor Evan Hope Olvis, hold a proclamation rally just after midnight on March 25. (Photo by GUALBERTO M. LAPUT /Inquirer Mindanao)

POLANCO, Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines — Will the early campaigners catch the most votes?

Polanco Mayor Evan Hope Olvis, who is running for reelection, and his slate held their proclamation rally in the wee hours of March 25 — at 12:15 a.m.

“We want to start on the first day, at the first hour,” said Olvis, who is allied with the camp of former Zamboanga del Norte Rep. Romeo Jalosjos.

The Jalosjos camp’s main rival, the alliance of the Uy and Amatong families, held their proclamation rally later in the day in Dipolog City.

Polanco residents join in the midnight proclamation rally of the camp of Polanco Mayor Evan Hope Olvis. (Photo by GUALBERTO M. LAPUT /Inquirer Mindanao)

The May 9 polls will see a fierce political fight between the two camps.

Outgoing Gov. Roberto Uy is seeking the mayoralty of Dapitan City, a Jalosjos bailiwick, pitting himself against former Rep. Seth Frederick Jalosjos.

As if to get even, Jalosjos fielded his other son Rommel to run for mayor of Dipolog City, which has been under the Uy family’s grip for two decades, pitting himself with incumbent Mayor Darel Uy.

Former Dipolog City Mayor Evelyn Tang-Uy, Roberto’s wife, is running for governor against outgoing Dapitan City Mayor Rosalina Jalosjos, Romeo’s sister.

For the post of House representative of the province’s First District, Roberto Uy Jr. will face incumbent Rep. Romeo Jalosjos Jr.

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