Mayor Loot takes break for 30 days

CEBU, Philippines — Controversial Daanbantayan Mayor Vicente Loot is out of public service, at least for the time being.

Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III said he has granted Loot’s request to travel outside the country for personal matters.

Loot had asked for a 30-day vacation starting November 18.

“The said travel is very important as I need to visit my sickly and aging sisters, attend to the birthday celebration of my sister in Maryland and at the same time [spend] my vacation thereof,” reads Loot’s letter to the governor.

He assured that the programs and basic services in Daanbantayan will not be compromised by his absence.

“Please be assured that my absence will not impair the delivery of services under herein office,” Loot said.

Davide said the authority to travel he granted Loot is a requirement of the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

Citing security reasons, Loot’s wife, Maria Luisa, refused to comment on whether or not the mayor has already left the country.

Loot has reportedly been receiving death threats and even survived an ambush after President Rodrigo Duterte tagged him and four other retired police generals as having links to the illegal drug trade.

Davide is confident Loot will return.

“Mobalik to uy. Leave ra man to iya. Mobalik gyud to,” Davide said. — JMO (FREEMAN)