ANTIQUE – Gov. Rhodora Cadiao worries for her safety after Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo, along with eight other civilians, was killed by gunmen in his residence.
The Antique governor said that the same could happen anytime to other local officials.
“Ako, I’m very confident noong una. Pero nang malaman ko na napatay si Roel right in his backyard, nowhere is safe for us anymore. If it happened to him, it could happen to me, so halong gid ako. Prayers for myself and the rest of the elected officials,” said Cadiao in an interview with Panay News.
According to the governor, she currently has no security hazards but misunderstandings and differences could arise at wink.
Cadiao said she would be extra careful even with the police security, especially when going around towns and barangays.
“You never know what your opponent or enemies are up to. Hindi mo aakalain,” Cadiao added.
Antique Police Provincial Office (Antique PPO) director Police Colonel Alexander Mariano advised Cadiao to avoid open spaces.
The Antique PPO, including the governor’s police security and that of the 18 mayors in the province, would undergo a re-briefing on security measures.
CADIAO SADDENED BY DEGAMO’S DEATH
The Antique governor said she grieves for the death of a friend.
She and Degamo ran under the National Unity Party (NUP) during the 2022 national elections and were often together during party meetings.
“I am very sad because I know Roel. We were together in the League of Vice Governors of the Philippines, then as governors,” said Cadiao.
For Cadiao, the Negros Oriental governor was a simple person with integrity.
“Marami siyang threats, pero sabi niya, wala ‘yon,” Cadiao said, adding that Degamo has been receiving threats after the latter decided to run for governor./PN
