(UPDATE) Maliksi supporters barricade Cavite capitol

Supporters of beleaguered Cavite Gov. Irineo "Ayong" Maliksi continued Monday to form a human barricade in front of the Cavite provincial capitol to block the serving of a suspension order on the local executive. Hundreds of loyalists have flocked to the provincial capitol grounds since last week after the Court of Appeals (CA) lifted the temporary restraining order and permanent injunction it earlier issued against Maliksi's six-month suspension. Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez ordered Monday the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to enforce the suspension order, which was issued by Deputy Ombudsman Victor Fernandez on Aug. 15, 2006. The CA lifted the restraining order last April 3, paving the way for the execution of the order. Despite the appellate court ruling, Maliksi refused to relinquish his post to Vice Governor Juan Victor Remulla. Maliksi was given a six-month preventive suspension for his alleged irregular purchase of rice worth P7.5 million in 2004. Remulla raised the issue before the Ombudsman. Supporters have reportedly set up a big tent and plastic chairs, as well as an image of the Virgin Mary, for a prayer vigil that loyal followers plan to carry out at the provincial capitol during the Holy Week. Lawmen from the Cavite police provincial office and augmentation forces have also allegedly been dispatched to ensure peace and order in the vicinity when Remulla takes over from Maliksi. Some 500 Maliksi supporters already gathered Monday morning at the provincial capitol as a show of support for their embattled leader.-GMANews.TV