Abra mayors surrender firearms in new round of peace talks

BAGUIO CITY—Four Abra mayors surrendered their firearms on Saturday after the latest round of negotiations with the police, which was part of a strategy initiated by civic groups that vowed to remove the province from the list of election hot spots in next year’s elections.

Mayors Estelita Bersamina of Lacub, Wilma Gattud of Tubo, Esther Bernos of Danglas and Jaja Josefina Disono of Pilar turned over three shotguns, a rifle and two pistols, reports from the Cordillera police office showed.

Chief Superintendent Benjamin Magalong, Cordillera police director, said he went to Abra on Saturday to help open dialogues among mayors, many of whom are seeking reelection, and ensure a peaceful conduct of elections there.

Magalong said the police were also concerned about the impact of a looming power crisis on security preparations in Abra, especially in the run-up to the May 2013 elections.

Most of the mayors turned over the firearms at the Abra police office in Bangued. Bernos handed her gun to the Danglas police.

In Tayum town, also on Saturday, Velasco Barangay Captain Victor Escalante surrendered a  .22 cal. pistol. Vincent Cabreza, Inquirer Northern Luzon