Archb. Soc: “End culture of violence”
JUSTICE FOR MAYOR BALOLONG
URBIZTONDO— A call for swift justice by supporters was joined by a plea for sobriety and an end to violence.
As the slain Urbiztondo Mayor Ernesto Balolong Jr., killed in a cold-blooded shooting on June 7 which left two others dead and four wounded, was being laid to rest last June 18, Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas called for an end to the “culture of violence here”.
Villegas, also the president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, asked the people to promise before the body of the slain mayor not to seek revenge and instead work for a new Urbiztondo that is peaceful, harmonious, loving and healed by the grace of God.
“Violence would not end with the culture of revenge,” the prelate said.
“Mayor Balolong could no longer be hurt by anyone nor by any form of violence. I hope we would now end violence as we now bid goodbye to our beloved mayor in his final resting place,” he added.
Meanwhile, Balolong’s widow, Councilor Mirla Balolong, president of the municipal Liga ng mga Barangay here, sang in part the mayor’s favorite song,” If Tomorrow Never Comes”, leaving the thousands of mourners in tears.
She said she, as well as other family members, initially objected to the mayor’s entry into politics but he was determined to do so with an aim of bringing about development in the town.
Their eldest son, Volter, an incumbent councilor, who said their family would continue the mission left by his father, led the people inside the St. Pius V Church in shouting “Justice for Mayor Balolong! Justice! Justice for Mayor Balolong!”
But Volter allayed fears by making it clear that they do not intend to use violence.
“We are the key to peace in Urbiztondo,” he said.
SHORT STOP
Vice Mayor Martin Raul Sison, a known political nemesis of the Balolong family, assumed as mayor two days after Balolong was killed. He was present at the ground of the municipal hall when Balolong’s hearse passed but he was not acknowledged by the bereaved family.
Councilor Mirla stopped the funeral cortege in front of the town hall, paused for a minute to pray, then continued on towards the church.
There was no necrological service at the town hall, which is customary for departed elected officials prior to the burial.
Former Pangasinan fifth district Rep. Mark Cojuangco, Sto. Tomas Mayor Timoteo Villar III, Bugallon Vice Mayor Rodrigo Orduna, and P/Sr. Supt. Sterling Blanco, OIC-provincial police director, were at the funeral.
President Benigno Aquino III, and Vice President Jejomar Binay were among the thousands of people who came to condole with the bereaved family.
Two suspects had been arrested and charged for the crime but investigation continues for their cohorts and the mastermind.
The two others who died in the shooting were the mayor’s police escort, P01 Eliseo Ulanday, and civilian Edmund Meneses.
One of the wounded was also a security staff of Balolong while the three others were civilian bystanders.—Tita Roces
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