SUPPORTERS of Kinoguitan Mayor Danilo Lagbas Jr. staged a protest at the town’s municipal hall on Monday, opposing a resolution by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Misamis Oriental that recommended his preventive suspension.
The resolution, passed on September 19, accuses Lagbas of gross negligence for failing to act against Alfra Ventures Development Incorporated, which allegedly violated marine environment laws by damaging coral reefs.
Protesters claimed the suspension was politically motivated, accusing the Unabia administration of targeting Lagbas because of his interest in running for governor.
“This is clearly political harassment,” said one protester.
Lagbas’ legal counsel, Atty. Arbie Saway Llesis, argued that the charges are baseless, noting that Lagbas was not in office when the violations occurred in 2019. He also questioned the jurisdiction of the case, dismissing it as harassment.
On Monday, during a regular session, Board Member Geraldo Sabal III confirmed that the preventive suspension order has yet to be signed by the governor.
Lagbas’ supporters remain firm, vowing to continue their protests to block any attempts to enforce the suspension.
