Violence Erupts Anew in Masbate Despite Peace Covenant

PILI, Camarines Sur, March 16 - Incidences of violence continue to happen in the island province of Masbate despite the signing of a peace covenant among opposing political leaders here as two supporters of poll candidates were gunned down in the past two days, a military report said.
Major Harold Cabunoc, chief of the 9ID Public Affairs Office, quoting the report from Special Task Force (STF) Masbate, said that Ireneo Lumahog, 51, a resident of Barangay Tubog, Pio V. Corpuz town, was shot dead by two heavily armed men around 1:30 p.m. on Monday.
Last Sunday, March 14, at around 10 p.m., Jose Frias y Sambajon of Barangay Busing, San Pascual, Masbate was shot dead by at least three heavily armed men who were carrying M-16 Rifles.
Frias was said to be a political leader of incumbent Mayor Zacarina Lazaro of said municipality.
The series of election-related violent incidents (ERVI) occurred despite the efforts of STF Masbate and all stakeholders to forge a peace covenant and advocacy for an honest, orderly and peaceful elections (HOPE) in the province.
Last February 17, a multi-sectoral forum for HOPE was conducted in the province, facilitated by Fr. Leo Casas of the Diocese of Masbate.
During that event, five prominent political personalities attended the forum including Rep. Rizalina Lanete who is running for governor; Rep. Narciso Bravo Jr. and Rep. Antonio Kho who are seeking reelection; Gov. Elisa Kho and Retired General Darius Tuason who are running for a congressional post in their respective district. (PNA)