Defeated Negros Oriental gov supporters block new gov from entering office

Policemen stay on Thursday in the premises of the Negros Oriental provincial capitol to ensure peace and order as supporters of defeated Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo gather to prevent newly elected Gov. Pryde Henry Teves from assuming his seat. | PHOTO: Karlowe Brier/Inquirer Visayas

DUMAGUETE CITY—Supporters of defeated Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo gathered on Thursday, June 30, in front of the provincial capitol to prevent the new governor from assuming the post.

At least 100 people put up barbed wires in front of the capitol to stop newly elected Gov. Pryde Henry Teves from entering the building, a police officer said.

Teves on Thursday morning took his oath of office at the Hall of Justice in Dumaguete, located around 100 meters from the capitol.

Policemen in full battle gear were deployed at the Negros Oriental capitol to prevent any untoward incident despite reports that stones were thrown at them by the protesters.

Teves released his first executive order for law enforcers to “security-sweep” or ensure the safety of the capitol area.

Protesters claimed that Teves won the gubernatorial race in Negros Oriental through electoral fraud.

Teves got 296,897 votes while Degamo received 277,462 votes during the May 9 elections.

Degamo appealed to the Commission on Elections to invalidate votes for a third candidate with a similar name, and credit these votes to him.

Degamo and his supporters believed an independent candidate named Ruel Degamo spoiled his reelection bid after securing 49,039 votes.

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