Authorities watch political rivalries in 4 Cebu areas
THREE towns and one city in Cebu province towns are being closely monitored by government security agencies to prevent possible political violence.
Although not yet considered election hotspots, the Joint Security and Peace Coordinating Conference (JPSCC) is taking a close watch especially in the fourth district in northern Cebu.
Senior Supt. Patrocinio Commendador Jr., Cebu provincial police chief, said they are basing their assessment on actual political rivalries and the history of violence or threats of violence in assessing the security situation as the 2013 election draws near.
Supt. Paul Labra II, chief of Regional Intelligence Division (RID) of PRO-7 said they are closely watching political developments in Tuburan and Sogod town and Bogo City, all in the 4th district and Danao City in the 5th district.
The 4th district is hotly contested between the Martinez and Salimbangon political clans. Danao City is being hotly contested by the divided Durano clan.
On May 11, 2010, an 8-hour stand-off occurred between the supporters of the Martinez and Salimbangon clans.
Article continues after this advertisementIn 2013, Bogo City Mayor Celestino “Junie” Martinez, Jr. will again be challenged by Mariquita Salimbangon-Yeung. Cebu 4th district Rep. Benhur Salimbangon will again be challenged by Celestino “Tining” Martinez IV.
Article continues after this advertisementIn Danao City, cousins Boboy Durano, a former vice mayor is the vice gubernatorial bet of One Cebu, against LP-Kusug’s bet, the incumbent Anges Magpale.
Ramonito “Nito” Durano III and Ramon “Boy” Durano, Jr. are contesting the mayorship of of Danao City. Nito Durano is the incumbent vice mayor while Boy Durano is the incumbent mayor.
Police Regional Office 7 director Chief Supt. Marcelo Garbo said they are monitoring 12 areas in Central Visayas.
Garbo said an JSPCC meeting last Tuesday was the first of a series of conferences of the committee.
“There are critical areas that we are monitored”, said Garbo.
The JSPCC is composed of the PNP, AFP and the Commission on Election./Correspondent Chito O. Aragon
