Tight security prepared for Panlilio's oath-taking

Tight security preparations are in place at the provincial capitol in Pampanga for the oath-taking and inauguration of the province’s first priest-governor Ed Panlilio. Radio dzRH reported that Pampanga police director Sr. Supt. Keith Singian ordered tight security at the venue of the oath-taking ceremony for Panlilio. Singian also said he has assigned additional police personnel and escorts to secure Panlilio, whose camp had received several death threats since his proclamation. Panlilio emerged the surprise winner in the May 14 election, edging administration allies Mark Lapid and provincial board member Lilia Pineda. Supreme Court Associate Justice Consuelo Ynares-Santiago was to administer the oath-taking, after a two-hour mass in Guagua town, where Panlilio last served before running for governor, at 8 a.m. A Sun Star Pampanga report said over 3,000 invitations were sent out to government officials, members of civic society, and business groups. The 56-year-old Panlilio served in the priesthood for 26 years before entering politics. Lapid and reelected Pampanga vice governor Joseller Guiao were expected to attend the mass to be concelebrated by Fathers Maruis Roque, Raul delos Santos, and Deo Galang. Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi) elected officials led by Guiao postponed their oath-taking in Malacañang Saturday to be at Panlilio’s inauguration. Panlilio was swept into the province’s top executive post with his strong advocacy against corruption in the collection of quarry taxes and the illegal numbers game jueteng. He drew strong support from the province’s businessmen, professionals, youth, religious groups and the poor. On the other hand, security was also tight in Mabalacat town in Pampanga for the oath-taking of re-elected mayor Marino Morales. Supporters of Morales’ rival Anthony Dee were expected to hold rallies and protests at the town hall during the oath-taking. Morales and Dee were engaged in a fierce race punctuated by a fire that hit the town hall and destroyed several ballot boxes. - GMANews.TV