By NORA SORINO and SITA ASEQUIA
of GSD-Iligan Bureau
ILIGAN City––Rep. Vicente Belmonte has announced his withdrawal from the mayoral race in the city, a move seen to give Mayor Celso Regencia’s reelection bid a boost.
Belmonte cited security reasons for his decision to drop out of the race for the city’s top post next year.
He said his announcement was “no gimmick,” and that he was “100 percent” certain about his decision not to pursue his mayoral bid.
Belmonte said he feared for his life, pointing out that 15 people ordered arrested by a court in connection with his ambush in December were still at large.
One of the suspects, Regencia, surrendered last month, and has been placed under detention in connection with the multiple murder and frustrated murder charges filed by Belmonte.
He claimed that he received reliable reports that the suspects involved in the ambush of his convoy were still out to take him.
“Except for the mastermind who has surrendered, 15 other suspects remain at large and are reportedly after my neck,” Belmonte said.
He said that he could not campaign amid threats to his life, and so he decided to withdraw his candidacy, leaving the post to a party mate who might be chosen as a substitute.
“After consulting with LP partymates, political leaders, supporters, and my family, I have decided to withdraw my mayoral candidacy in 2016,” Belmonte said.
Belmonte said he was scheduled to meet with lawyers of the Liberal Party in Manila, and discuss with them his decision to withdraw from the mayoral race.
The congressman’s decision leaves Regencia and three other candidates vying for the mayoral post here.
The announcement came after Regencia’s supporters staged a seven-day “Jericho March” that culminated on Friday. Thousands took part in the pro-Regencia demonstrations, and called on Vice Mayor Ruderic Marzo and Councilor Providencio Abragan Jr. to step down. The two have been serving as acting mayor and acting vice mayor, respectively, because of a suspension order by Malacanang against Regencia. The order has already lapsed.
Belmonte survived an ambush when his convoy was waylaid by unidentified suspects near the Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental. Three of his bodyguards were killed while three others were wounded. Belmonte, sustained minor gunshot wounds.
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