LANAO DEL SUR – Tension is running high in Lanao del Sur’s Balabagan town after its vice mayor refused to step down as acting mayor despite an order from the Department of the Interior and Local Government.
Mayor Edna Ogka-Benito said supporters of Vice Mayor Quirino Sampiano – many of them armed with steel pipes and sticks – have barricaded the municipal building and prevented her and government officials from holding office there.
Benito was earlier ordered suspended in December 28 by the Ombudsman on a complaint lodged against her by Nasser Disalungan, president of the Association of Barangay Chairmen for simple misconduct. Disalungan claimed Benito withheld his salary but the mayor alleged that the village chairman was not reporting to office.
The 22nd Division of the Court of Appeals issued a temporary restraining order in February 2 that would allow her back to work. The DILG in the Muslim autonomous region headed by Anwar Malang has confirmed the TRO and also issued an order telling Sampiano to step down and allow Benito to serve her term.
The mayor said she tried to report for work, but had been prevented by Sampiano’s supporters and even the local police force failed to serve the DILG order for Benito to resume work because they were overwhelmed by the protesters who barricaded themselves inside and around the municipal hall.
Benito’s aide, Dr. Billy Ogka, said the local DILG director McMillan Lucman was also threatened by Sampiano’s supporters and warned him to stay away from the town hall. He said Sampiano refused to heed a director order from the DILG and also ignored the court order.
“They refused to recognize the order of DILG-ARMM Secretary Anwar Malang and even the court’s order,” he said, adding, the DILG has ordered the police to help protect Benito from harm.
The mayor has urged the national government and authorities to act immediately to resolve the problems because it has already affected the delivery of basic services to her constituents.
“I have asked the police and military to drive out the armed men and supporters of the Vice Mayor within and outside the premises of the municipal government complex as they hinder the operation and function of the local government,” Benito told the Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper.
Benito has ordered her supporters and policemen to exercise maximum tolerance to avoid direct confrontation with Sampiano’s group. Residents have volunteered to protect Benito, who is holding office in her house in Balabagan. Municipal officials were also working in Benito’s house because they were being threatened by Sampiano’s supporters.
There was no immediate statement from Sampiano on all allegations against him, but he is running against Benito, who is also seeking re-election in the May polls under the ruling Liberal Party of President Aquino. (Mark Navales)
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