‘Goons’ Spotted in San Fernando

On the eve of the elections, armed men were reportedly spotted on the shores of San Fernando town.

“Duha ka yate nga gisakyan ug armadong mga tawo midunggo last night (Sunday) sa Luna Beach sa Taboan, San Fernando, Cebu. Mao na ni ang gikahadlokang mga goons ni Abe canoy. Walo ka armadong mga tawo gikan sa Negros ang gi-deploy ni Abe canoy sa Barangay Tonggo. Ingon ani ka tensyonado karon ang San Fernando,” said a report of a source who refused to be named.

And just hours after, a shoot-out was reported in Sitio Matin-aw, Tonggo, at a house of the leader of mayoralty bet Lakambini Reluya. Reluya, for her part, said the incident was politically-motivated, and blamed her opponents for allegedly perpetuating such crime. Luckily, the supporters were able to escape from the said strafing. At least 30 empty shells of unknown firearm caliber were recovered from the scene.

Earlier this month, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) had placed the town on their watchlist following reports of election-related incidents.