BANGUI, Ilocos Norte—Police authorities padlocked the municipal mayor’s office of this town to scale down tension, as suspended Mayor Diosdado Garvida continues to claim mayoralty of the town.
The lockdown of the office for a period of six months, or until the suspension order was served, is meant to prevent the mayor from entering the office and avoid possible heated argument with Vice Mayor Fidel Cimatu Jr., who has been designated acting mayor.
Garvida’s suspension order automatically took effect on Monday, after the order was served at the municipal mayor’s office and received by his secretary.
In view of an administrative complaint filed against him by a Bangui resident, identified as Kremlin Alupay, for alleged indiscriminate firing, members of the Ilocos Norte provincial board have recommended to Gov. Imee Marcos the mayor’s suspension for six months, from November 14, 2014 up to May 14, 2015
According to Garvida, he will not recognize Cimatu as the acting mayor, unless he shows a proof of his new designation from the governor.
As this developed, the police were prompted to padlock the mayor’s office at about 3 p.m. on Wednesday to avoid tension and for a smooth transition.
Policemen have been closely monitoring the situation in Bangui town since Monday.