Bogo and Cebu 4th district under Comelec control?

Not only Bogo City but the entire 4th  district of north Cebu as well.

That was the stand of Bogo City Mayor Celestino “Junjie” Martinez Jr. on a petition by Rep. Benhur Salimbangon  to place the city under the control of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for next year’s elections.

Martinez said both he and Salimbangon should recommend  names on how will sit as Comelec officer, police chief and army officer in charge of the district in order to spare the area from control by the local administration One Cebu party.

“Let us first identify who from the Comelec. Military and police officials should also be revamped,” Martinez added.  Salimbangon said he’s open to placing Cebu’s 4th district under Comelec control.

“But I don’t see the need. The other towns are peaceful,” Salimbangon said.

The congressman called for the disbanding of the City of Bogo Anti-Criminality Task Force (CBACTF) which Martinez said “has long been disbanded.”

Martinez said the  task force has been replaced by the Barangay Peace and Action Team (BPAT).  He also denied that the former CBACTF was  used as his “goons” as alleged by Salimbangon.

“They can check on Col. (Patrocinio) Commendador (Cebu provincial police chief). The lowest crime rate is in Bogo City,” he said.

Despite this, Congressman Salimbangon said he is  writing President Benigno Aquino III to help him disband the group.

Martinez is seeking reelection under the national administration Liberal Party (LP). His son Celestino III or “Tining” is running for Bogo mayor. Correspondent Carmel Loise Matus