This is the roundup of stories that came out in local publications today, May 6, 2016.
LOCAL CHOICES. Iglesia Ni Cristo, whose members are said to vote by bloc, has reportedly endorsed Tomas Osmena and Winston Garcia. (Photo: Iglesianicristo.net)
Iglesia Ni Cristo chooses Osmeña over Rama
The influental Iglesia Ni Cristo has released its list of local candidates it will support in the local elections and former mayor Tomas Osmena got the sect’s support. However, Mayor Mike Rama is unfazed despite not getting INC’s endorsement.
I’m very grateful especially that they are voting as a bloc. If each member can bring two voters each, okay na oi. Tomas Osmeña
I can’t do anything. But the last time, they supported my opponent, but I won. It shoud have been additional votes though. Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama
Read: Cebu Daily News: Iglesia chooses Osmena over Rama, Davide over Garcia
PRO 7 deploys 1,500 cops
PRO 7 director Chief Supt. Patrocinio Comendador reminded the 1,500 policemen deployed for election duties to remain professional and avoid partisan activities. Majority of the policemen–940–will be deployed in Cebu Province, while 490 will be assigned in Bohol. They are from the regional training center, regional headquarters, Regional Public Safety Battalion and the Police Office from Cebu, Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu City.
I know this is a difficult job for us, but I am confident with your training and our preparations. Chief Supt. Patrocinio Comendador Jr.
Read: Freeman: PRO 7 chief reminds cops to stay apolitical
Sun.Star Cebu: Cops told to use only ‘necessary force’ in election duties
Cebu Daily News: PRO 7 head says 2016 elections ‘very crucial’
Armed men in Tuburan
Witnesses told policemen that armed men openly carry high-powered firearms in the mountain barangays of Tuburan, one of the election hotspots in Cebu. This was the latest development after Luduvico Oroquero, a former barangay captain identified with mayoralty candidate Daphe Lagon, was arrested for the ambush of Rene Cangmaong, a personal body guard of reelections Democrityo Diamante. Cops also found a cache of firearms reportedly owned by Oroquero.
We have ordered intensified checkpoints and we are monitoring areas where possible eruption of violence might happen. PRO 7 Chief Supt Patrocinio Comendador.
Read: Cebu Daily News: Cops intensify checkpoints in Tuburan.
Sun.Star Cebu: Cops arrest suspect in shooting of Tuburan mayor’s bodyguard.
Freeman: Diamante cries harassment after ambush on bodyguard.
