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By NORA SORIÑO
GSD-Iligan bureau chief . 

ILIGAN City–A group seeking to unseat Mayor Celso Regencia has accused the local chief executive of forming and maintaining a “private army” using city hall funds.

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The accusation is contained in a letter of complaint sent to the Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, National Police   Director General Oscar Albayalde, and the Commission on Elections.

Regencia was accused of forming a 120-person Special Cafgu Active Auxiliary group funded by city hall. Each member, according to the complaint, receives P10 thousand.

They also alleged that the group was armed at the expense of city hall.

The group alleged the alleged private army was formed in the guise of maintaining peace and order in the city and in fighting rebellion and terrorism.

The complainants also alleged that the group was formed with the support of the city council.

According to the complaint, the militiamen has been stationed in Canaway, Tibanga, and that many of the armed group’s members are from neighboring Lanao del Norte.

The Jan. 17 letter was signed by Regencia’s critics lawyer Moises Dalisay Jr., Councilor Sammy Huertas, Marianito Alemania, Dr. Chonilo Ruiz, Hinaplanon barangay chair Nick Echavez, Francis Balbutin, former mayor Lawrence Ll. Cruz, Benedicto Olayvar, Pala-o barangay chair Wilfredo Niez, Councilor Rosevi Belmonte, Mario Decena, former councilor Simplicio Larrazabal III, and former del Carmen barangay chair Emmalinda dela Cruz, among others.

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