By Nora Soriño
Iligan City Bureau Chief
ILIGAN City ― Department of Interior and Local Government City Director Edward Bhagwani yesterday said that the Inter-Agency Task Force here should not be blamed for the violation of health protocols when supporters of politicians filing their Certificates of Candidacy swelled into a mass gathering.
“It’s the police that must do some explaining regarding the matter, not the IATF,” the director added.
To recall the filing of the COC of Celso Regencia’s team, also called “15-0 team,” had the supporters riding in many four-wheeled vehicles huddled together in violation of social distancing protocols.
Those who were back riding on motorcycles numbered three to four and even five, again in obvious violations of health protocols and some even were seen not wearing masks or shields.
This was during the motorcade afternoon last Friday passing through major streets of the city on the way to Robinson’s Place where the candidates filed their COCs before the Commission on Elections.
Earlier that day, when the candidates and supporters heard mass at the St. Michael cathedral at Poblacion, no social distancing and other protocols were also observed there too.
This did not sit well with the general public here as criticisms both on-air and social media were heard and seen in its aftermath.
Bhagwani said that the matter will be taken up during their next meeting of the IATF where he is a member.
Weller Digao, one of Regencia’s circle of media men said the mayor had told the supporters “not to join” but “they could not be controlled.”
“They were all seen wearing bright red shirts with the letters RVU. The letters to note mean Regencia, Jemar Vera Cruz, and Ian Uy. They are running for congressman, mayor, and vice mayor, respectively.
