Red alert raised in Compostela

A red alert status was declared over Compostela town yesterday following reports of another takeover attempt by followers of Mayor-elect Joel Quiño.

Caretaker mayor and Regional Director Pedro Noval of the Department of Interior and Local Governments in Central Visayas (DILG-7) said he ordered the augmentation team from the Cebu provincial police to secure the area around the municipal hall.

Noval said a no-permit, no-rally policy will be enforced, and they will crack down on supporters of Quiño and mayoralty candidate Ritchie Wagas.

“Let us not put the laws in our hands but instead observe the law,” Noval said.

Last May 11, Quiño’s supporters broke the padlock of the municipal hall’s front door allowing entry for Quiño and his slate of councilors.

Quiño was persuaded into leaving by Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo who promised to follow up his case with the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Noval called on Quiño’s supporters to wait for the Comelec decision.