Ex-PNP general runs for Zamboanga City mayor vs Salazar

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Former city police director and retired police general Mario Yanga on Friday sought to challenge the re-election bid of Mayor Ma. Isabel Salazar of the Liberal Party.

Yanga, who also served as Western Mindanao police director, formally went to the Comelec office here and submitted his certificate of candidacy.

“I am not joining any political party. I have filed my COC and its now official.  A new chapter of my life has started and my concern in Zamboanga is the peace and order that is my forte.  And now, I am presenting myself to the electorate of Zamboanga. I feel I can still do something for peace, security, and law and order,” Yanga said.

An aide of Yanga, Alberto Cajayon of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan; Sahibul Sangkula of the Partido Bagong Maharlika; and Nashier Hajim, independent, also filed their COCs for mayor.

In Davao del Norte, 1st district Rep. Antonio Rafael del Rosario, the son of Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario, filed his COC for governor around 2 p.m. Friday under the LP.

Vice Gov. Victorio Suaybaguio Jr. also filed his COC for congressman in the first district under the LP, supposedly to replace the younger Del Rosario. Around 4 p.m., however, Suaybaguio returned to the poll office and withdrew his earlier bid. He then submitted a COC for governor as an independent candidate.

The administration party had rushed to field 2nd district Boardmember Alan Dujali as Del Rosario’s running mate.

In Davao del Norte’s first congressional district, Suaybaguio instead fielded his nephew, Nicandro.

Also running for congressman in the first district are former Representatives Pantaleon Alvarez and Arrel Olano.  SFM