Bring Mayor Yabes' killers to justice - PGMA

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 25, 2006) – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Friday expressed her condolences to the people of Maitum and tasked Governor Migs Dominguez to bring Mayor George Yabes' killers to justice.

"Inaatasan ko si Governor Migs Dominguez upang gawin ang lahat ng kanyang magagawa upang mahuli ang mga kriminal at ng magkaroon ng hustisya and pagkamatay ni Mayor Yabes, " the President said in a speech read for her by Agrarian Reform Sec. Nasser Pangandaman.

"Pinaaabot ko rin ang aking pakikiramay sa mga taga Maitum sa pagkamatay ng kanilang mahusay na Mayor, " the President said.

Sec. Pangandaman represented President Arroyo at the opening program of Sarangani's 14th Foundation Anniversary.

"Sana hindi maka apekto ang pagkawala ni Mayor Yabes sa inyong pagdiriwang sa taong ito ," the President said. "Kahit na nawalan kayo ng isang mahusay na lider, naniniwala ako na marami pang mahuhusay na lider na magpapatupad ng good governance."

Mayor Yabes, 64, was shot by three motorcycle-riding gunmen in broad daylight on November 11 while inspecting government projects.

Before his speech, Rep. Erwin Chiongbian led the crowd in offering a minute of silent prayer for the slain mayor.

The provincial government also honored Mayor Yabes with a posthumous award "for his exemplary leadership and dedicated services with high degree of conduct and professionalism."

The province cited the late mayor's work for peace and development and reforms he introduced in Maitum that brought common good for his constituents.

Mayor Yabes, who was completing his third term in office, turned Maitum into an award-winning town for its programs in environmental protection, maternal health care and children's rights.

He championed his constituents' causes for the environment, peace and development, and efficient infrastructure project implementation.

His campaign against illegal gambling, illegal logging and illegal fishing enjoyed the support of his constituents and regained people's confidence on law enforcers. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)