Curfew imposed in Isabela due to spate of killings

By Raymind Catindig

JONES, Isabela – A curfew has been enforced in this town amid a spate of killings.

Jones Mayor Leticia Sebastian signed an ordinance last week setting a curfew from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., Chief Insp. Noel Patalittan, Jones police chief, said.

Patalittan said the ordinance was in response to persistent reports that men on motorcycles were seen roaming in the town at night.

Provincial elections officer Erwin Valeroso said Jones was added to the list of “areas of concern” by the Commission on Elections due to intense political rivalry, violence and presence of armed groups.

Last week, the New People’s Army killed Vice Mayor Reynaldo Lucas, who was seized during a campaign sortie.

Lucas’ cousin, San Isidro barangay chairman Heinrich Apostol, was also gunned down while having a drinking spree with another village chief in his house.  Apostol was running for councilor under the United Nationalist Alliance.