Dinagat governor-elect faces challenge to start new chapter

Incoming Dinagat Islands Governor Arlene "Kaka" Bag-ao hopes to turn a new page after a twelve-year chapter of the Ecleo clan ruling the province.

In a one-on-one interview with GMA News' Raffy Tima on 24 Oras, the so-called "dragon-slayer," who claimed her third victory against a member of the Ecleo clan in last month's elections, admitted that the 2019 gubernatorial race was the hardest to win.

The Ecleos have maintained a strong influence throughout the province with the help of a spiritual organization called the Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association (PBMA), which was founded by long-time mayor Ruben Elceo, Sr. who was regarded as the “divine master."

According to Bag-ao, the line separating politics and religion in Dinagat seemed to be blurred.

"Walang difference ang politics at religion sa Dinagat. Kaya napakabilis para sa mga Ecleo, napakabilis nilang makahawak ng political position, position of power kasi parang automatic," she siad. 

The incoming governor also said she still saw "fear" among some locals for going against Ecleo, who has been pegged as a divine ruler for many years.

"Takot na 'baka maparusahan kami ng diyos kasi hindi namin binoto 'yung master' parang gan'yan. May ganu'n pa rin," she said.

Even as they lost this year's gubernatorial race, the Ecleos prove to be a strong presence in Dinagat.

Ecleo Jr.'s son, Alan, will be taking the  congressional seat to be vacated by Bag-ao.

Ecleos also won the mayoralty race in two out of seven municipalities in the Dinagat Islands.

"Ang mahalaga lang talaga, makita nila na puwede talaga tayong umunlad na hindi kailangan natin idaan sa inyong pananampalataya at hindi kailangan may master na diyos lang ang puwedeng mag-implement ng mga proyekto sa Dinagat,"  Bag-ao said. — Margaret Claire Layug/BAP, GMA News