Security measures at the Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Capitol compound are now getting tighter after a shooting incident victimizing the Provincial Budget Officer of Zamboanga del Sur last December 27.

Governor Auring E. Cerilles is seeking for public’s indulgence since effective January 2, 2008, access to the Provincial Capitol limited to a single gate only which would serve as the entrance and exit for vehicles.

The lady governor has condemned the treacherous act on her Budget Officer Rogelio “Roger” Montealto, saying: “whoever was behind the crime must be put to jail.”  She was thankful though, that Montealto survived from the incident.  However, she cannot afford to have another shooting incident to happen at the Capitol premises.

She directed the Provincial Security Guards to impose stiffer security procedures within the compound that would deter suspicious personalities from entering inside.

It may be recalled that the First Couple of the Province – Guv Auring & Congressman Tony Cerilles hosted a Christmas Party for the ZamboSur-Pagadian City Press Club, Inc. the night when Montealto was shot. 

It was when Congressman Tony was delivering his speech for the media when suddenly Governor Auring received a call from one of her staffs who called her up about the incident. Together with Provincial Police Director Ramon Ochotorena, Provincial Legal Officer Mark Anthony Padayhag, Guv Auring rushed to the hospital where Montealto was brought for treatment.

Guv Auring was saddened by the incident for an hour before the incident occurred, she had a meeting with members of her Executive Finance Committee with Montealto as among the members. She even invited them to have dinner with them and the local media personalities.  However, Montealto, chose to go home for there was also a Christmas party with his family and workers.

Montealto was driving his service vehicle from the Capitol when he was waylaid by the assassin in front of the Girl Scout of the Philippines building. He sustained gunshot wounds and is now recuperating.

Last update : 21-01-2008 18:30

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