AMID calls by the local opposition to place Lapu-Lapu City under Commission on Elections (Comelec) control, Mayor Arturo Radaza called on supporters to remain calm and avoid any retaliation for the death of one of his political leaders.
Radaza, his wife and mayoralty candidate Paz and his allies visited the wake of 30-year-old fisherfolk leader Nicasio Pugoy in barangay Pangan-an, an islet in the city yesterday.
While not ruling out personal grudge as the motive behind Pugoy's murder, Radaza said the political climate in the city may have played a part in the killing.
Lapu-Lapu City police assigned more personnel in the area a day after the murder and arrested five suspects who are mostly ronda tanods in Pangan-an.
They were identified as Arnulfo Pugoy, Joselito Melleno, Jerry Lanoy, Benigno Menguito and Jonas Pugoy.
Jonas was released from detention after witnesses cleared him of the crime.
