Priest running for Masbate governor receives threats

NAGA CITY—Even before Fr. Leo Casas could file his certificate of candidacy (COC) for governor of Masbate, a province dominated by political clans and known for its history of political violence, he has started to receive threatening text messages.

The warnings started to come last week when talk circulated around Masbate City that he would run for governor, Casas said on Tuesday.

The Catholic priest said the messages went “Fr. You’re here. I know the plate number of your vehicle” or “Father, so you ride this kind of vehicle.”

Casas said the texters were trying to make it appear that they were trailing him.

He said he also received a text message warning him to be careful with what he says.

The messages come twice a day, sometimes from two numbers, sometimes from the same number.

LP candidate

Casas, 37, was officially nominated by the Liberal Party on Monday. He said he would file his COC on Friday.

Casas said he saw the threats coming.

“It’s part of the sacrifice I had to make when I decided to run,” he said in a phone interview with the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

Casas said even his family initially was not receptive to the idea of his going into politics. “They asked me why I would be leaving the quiet and fulfilling life of a priest and jump into the noisy world of politics,” he said.

Eventually, however, his family decided to support his decision, he said.

Expressions of support

Casas said there were at least 20 “ordinary” people who had sent him expressions of support and pledges to help him in the campaign immediately after he announced his intention to run for the provincial capitol.

He said his only worry was how to deal with the partisan armed groups in Masbate. “I don’t know what will happen. I don’t know how to deal with them,” he said.

Senior Supt. Heriberto Olitoquit, police director for Masbate, said his men were ready to provide security to Casas if the threats would prove serious and imminent.

“We are even ready to provide him with temporary security protection while assessing the threat,” Olitoquit said.

Lanetes, Khos

Casas would be pitted in a three-way fight with the powerful Kho and Lanete clans.

Gov. Rizalina Seachon-Lanete is seeking reelection and Rep. Antonio Kho of the second district is expected to challenge her.

“Masbate is the lowest ranking in Bicol when it comes to the delivery of basic services,” Casas said.

He said he would run on the platform of eradicating poverty and political dynasties in Masbate.