Signature campaign for release of ‘Ilocos 6’ gains ground

LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte – A signature campaign calling for the release of the six detained provincial government employees, or the so called Ilocos Six has gained ground with over 17,000 signatures gathered since provincial mayors initiated it last week.

The six Ilocos Norte employees were detained on May 29, 2017 following the third Congressional hearing into the Provincial Capitol's purchase of motor vehicles sourced from Ilocos Norte's share of the tobacco excise tax or Republic Act (RA) 7171.

Dingras, Ilocos Norte Mayor Erdio E. Valenzuela stressed and lamented that the detention of the six employees has adverselty affected operations of the provincial government since some are members of the local finance committee.

Valenzuela is also president of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP)–Ilocos Norte Chapter.

Rogelio Ceredon, president of the Dingras Municipal Agriculture and Fisheries Council (MAFC), added that a lot of tasks remain pending due to the detention of the six Ilocos Norte provincial employees in Congress.

The detained employees are Genedine D. Jambaro, Encarnacion A. Gaor, Josephine P. Calajate, Eden C. Battulayan, Evangeline C. Tabuluog and Pedro S. Agcaoili Jr.

The six employees were being investigated for the provincial Capitol's purchase of motor vehicles and were cited in contempt by Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Rodolfo C. Fariñas for "refusing to answer questions" and being "evasive."

Following the signature campaign, supporters urging the release of the six employees are planning to conduct a prayer rally in Congress.