Estancia pols to sign peace covenant today
Iloilo Province will have its test case in as far as peace pacts are concerned as key political figures in the Municipality of Estancia will gather for the signing of a covenant.
Initiated by the Provincial Commission on Elections (Comelec) here and backed by the Catholic Church, in full support for today's peace covenant signing are members of the local police alongside officials from the Iloilo Provincial Police Office (IPPO).
The News Today (TNT) got the confirmation that the much-awaited 'event' will happen in the premises of the town's church, the Queen of Most Holy Rosary Parish. No less than Parish Priest Reverend Father Raul Dayaday will be present, Election Officer Jose Domingo Seloterio and Senior Inspector Alejandro Apostol Jr., newly-installed police chief. Comelec Provincial Director Elizabeth Doronilla is also expected to stand witness.
Signing was set at about nine in the morning with mayoralty bets, retired Police Chief Superintendent Restituto "General Boy" Mosqueda and reelectionist Mayor Rene Cordero as signatories.
Asked for reaction, Senior Superintendent Melvin Mongcal, IPPO Director expressed optimism on the covenant signing and outcome saying peace and order has since been restored and maintained here.
To recall, Estancia overtook any other Iloilo towns in the earliest days of the campaign period in as far as controversies were concerned.
A near shoot-out occurred within the Church premises that involved the two mayoralty bets as charges and counter-charges were hurled against the opposing camps.
Police stepped in as more forces were deployed here and police checkpoints intensified to avert any armed confrontation between the supporters of the Mosqueda and Cordero groups.
"Since the first incident, nothing has happened already. We have contained everything and security measures are all in place," Senior Supt. Mongcal added.