ILOILO City – Two officials believe last month’s police raids against loose firearms in the 5th District will help ensure peaceful May 2019 midterm elections in that part of Iloilo province.
According to Gov. Arthur “Art” Defensor Sr. and Rep. Raul “Boboy” Tupas, the operations that led to the seizure of high-powered firearms contributed to the overall peace and order in the district.
One of the 13 simultaneous raids on Oct. 17 led to the arrest of Mayor Ermelita Salcedo of Sara town, who was later released, and the death of a stepson and grandson.
The mayor insisted that she volunteered to come with the police and was not arrested.
Police were targeting Mayor Salcedo’s husband, former mayor Neptali, but failed to find him. They also ran after four other subjects – in Sara, Lemery, Banate, and Estancia – but caught just one.
The raids “will ensure nga ang palaabuton nga elections sa Iloilo, especially in 5th District, mangin malinong and matawhay,” Defensor has told reporters.
They will also serve as warning to others involved in illegal activities, he said. “Of course, that was a very clear warning.”
Defensor refused to comment on how the incident would affect the candidacy of incumbent Vice Mayor Jesus “JR” Salcedo, who was running for mayor.
‘PLEASE SURRENDER’
Police were running after loose firearms in an effort to prevent election-related armed violence. They were wary of private armed groups who may use such weapons to commit public harm.
Meanwhile Tupas claimed that such raids were not unique to the 5th District and also being conducted in other parts of the country.
“Kon matawhay [ang distrito], mas pabor sa mga pumoluyo sa 5th District,” said Tupas.
The congressman called on former mayor Neptali Salcedo to turn himself in. He said his office is willing to facilitate the Salcedo patriarch’s surrender.
Tupas clarified that the incident had no negative impact on his political connection with the Salcedos, his party-mates in the Nacionalista Party.
“Ini nga police operation indi sia connected sa politika. May ara kasugoan nga ginasunod ang PNP (Philippine National Police),” said the congressman./PN
