Mabalacat mayoral row worsens; cops deployed

By Ding Cervantes 

MABALACAT CITY, Pampanga – Policemen carrying high-powered firearms were deployed to secure the city hall here as Vice Mayor Christian Halili continued to function as acting mayor even though the Commission on Elections had declared a new mayor. 

Halili insisted that he should succeed Marino Morales who was disqualified from running after serving for three consecutive terms.

The installation of Cris Garbo, who obtained the second highest number of votes, was stalled after the Angeles City regional trial court issued a temporary restraining order on Tuesday. 

Halili said he filed a petition for the issuance of a TRO due to the failure of the board of canvassers to nullify the votes of Morales before declaring Garbo as winner.

Garbo did not show up at the city hall Wednesday. 

Police Officer 2 Ritchie Mamaug said they were told to “keep peace and order at the city hall and not to protect any specific person. ” 

The court issued the TRO in response to a petition filed by Halili.

The court said the Department of the Interior and Local Government should keep the status quo with Halili as officer-in-charge.

Meanwhile, Garbo vowed to appeal the ruling, saying the court has no jurisdiction over the case.