Prevent more killings,
rallyists ask Aquino
But another Escalante group defends Yap
BY GILBERT BAYORAN

Widows and families of victims of extra-judicial killings in Escalante City, Negros Occidental, Saturday reiterated their call to President Benigno Aquino III for speedy justice, and immediate action on the spate of killings there, before more lives are lost.

The widows made the call at a rally attended by about 8,000 at the Escalante public market, to demand justice for the victims of extra-judicial killings in the place since 2007, that had reached 25 as of two weeks ago, Luke Espiritu, counsel of the victims, said.

About 250 meters away at the Rotunda about 8,000 people led by supporters of re-electionist Mayor Melecio Yap joined a prayer rally bearing placards that bore messages that said “We love Mayor Yap”

Comelec control
not needed: PNP
BY GILBERT BAYORAN

The peace and order situation in Escalante is manageable, despite the intense political rivalry, police chief Supt. Jefferson Descallar said.

Mayoralty candidate Santiago Barcelona recently renewed his call to have Escalante placed under Comelec control, citing the spate of killings of his supporters since the 2007 elections.

Descallar, officer-in-charge of the Escalante police, however, said there is no need for that in Escalante, based on only one recent incident, apparently referring to the killing of a policeman and a police asset, two weeks ago.

President endorses
Bing, Thaddy, Greg
BY CHRYSEE SAMILLANO

President Benigno Simeon Aquino III endorsed Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia, Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson and former Councilor Greg Gasataya as official candidates for congressman, mayor and vice mayor in Bacolod City, respectively, during the grand rally of Team PNoy in front of the Cebu Capitol Building Friday.

The President’s endorsement is expected to boost the candidates of the Liberal Party-Nationalist Peoples Coalition in Bacolod City.

Leonardia yesterday said the President raised their hands during the rally, and those of two other groups composed of city and provincial officials of Team PNoy in Cebu.