SCIENCE City of Muñoz – The political candidates no longer pushed their campaign but the weekend before Monday’s national and local elections was eventful in Nueva Ecija.
In Cabanatuan City, chief of police Col. Renato Morales said a passerby was hurt when a grenade exploded in front of the barangay hall in Mabini Extension.
Morales said a CCTV footage caught the unidentified motorcycle-riding suspect wearing a black jacket with a hoodie hurling the grenade.
Nueva Ecija provincial director Col. Ferdinand Germino, meanwhile, reported that his men nabbed two women at the Commission on Elections checkpoint for the violation of the Comelec money ban, also on Saturday.
Germino said the women were caught carrying P1.65 million in cash, along with some campaign materials, inside their car.
City election officer jose Ramiscal said the Charges for violation of Section 28 of Comelec Resolution 11104 are being readied to be filed against the suspects before the city prosecutor’s office here.
For the first time, the Comelec has implemented the three-day money ban starting on Saturday. The ban prohibits anyone to be in possession of money more than P500,000.
This, the Comelec said, aims to prevent vote buying.
Exempted from the ban are those whose nature of job pertains to the possession of huge amounts of money, such as a cashier or treasurer.
The Comelec has also imposed a two-day liquor ban in Nueva Ecija starting on Sunday.
Meanwhile, 1st District Rep. Mika Suansing received the support of the Church of Christ.
Suansing is running against Argel Joseph Cabatbat.
In the 2nd District, San Jose City Mayor Mario Salvador, who is now running for a congressional seat in the district, was endorsed by the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) along with Cabanatuan City Vice Mayor Julius Cesar Vergara who is seeking the same seat in the 3rd District.
In the 4th District, former Rep. Maricel Natividad-Nagaño was thankful for the support given to him by the INC.
Incumbent Cabanatuan Mayor Myca and Joselito Roque were also supported by the INC. CELSO CAJUCOM