Durano: Takeover planned, but it went out of hand

WAS the takeover of the Compostela Municipal Hall by Mayor-elect Joel Quiño, his officials and followers planned or “spontaneous”?

If one were to ask Rep. Ramon Durano IV of Cebu’s 5th district, last week’s takeover attempt was planned.

“They may have planned it for a week, but what happened was a result of the pent-up frustration (of Quiño’s followers),” he told Cebu Daily News.

The congressman said as far as he knew, Quiño’s followers planned to hold a rally and Mass that day.

“What happened afterwards was somewhat unexpected…it went out of hand,” Durano admitted.

Durano said their Bakud party will provide legal assistance to Quiño, his officials and his supporters who will face charges for last Wednesday’s incident.

Four of Quiño’s followers broke the padlock of the municipal building’s front door that allowed entry for the mayor-elect and the councilors.

The four followers identified as having broken the doors of the municipal building were 36-year-old Edgar Bataluna Pasaol, 44-year-old Eddie Son Soroño, 28-year-old Junrey Peñas Lucero (all from barangay Bagalnga) and 36-year-old Dennis Quiros of barangay Magay.

Councilor-elect Tessa Cang said in a text message that they are ready to face charges that may be filed by the Department of Interior and Local Government in Central Visayas (DILG-7).

“Of course, but on what ground and on what crime? That is the question and who will file against us? The people? It would be another absurdity. They will say the people should not take the law into their hands, but where is the law now?” Cang said.

Regional DILG-7 Director Pedro Noval said they will still finalize their investigation to determine the charges to be filed against Quiño, the council and his followers. He said the takeover was “planned.”

“Why did they have tents? Why were there food prepared for that many people?” he said.

Cang said these speculations cannot be avoided. “Those outside of Compostela won’t know the real picture,” she said.

“Whether it was planned by the leaders or group of people, the fact remains that the voice of the people is the supreme law. And they should consider the very motivation of the people behind that incident,” she added.

Cebu Daily News tried but failed to contact Mayor-elect Quiño.

Administrative charges are being readied against Senior Insp. Rodrigo Giangan, Compostela police chief for his alleged failure to secure the municipal building last Wednesday.

Noval said a municipal DILG officer in Compostela complained that the police failed to provide assistance to prevent the entry of Quiño’s followers.

But Giangan said there appeared to be no need to provide security since the rally and Mass were peaceful.

Noval said they will coordinate with the Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) to determine what charges will be filed against Giangan and the Compostela police.

In a radio interview, Giangan said he is willing to be relieved from his post and be given another assignment.

He insisted that he had done everything to control the situation last Wednesday.