Mancao seeks elective post in Compostela Valley

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Fugitive former police senior superintendent Cezar Mancao II is among the leading candidates for board member in the first district of Compostela Valley in the May 13 elections.

Mancao escaped early Thursday from custody of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in a bid to evade his impending transfer to the Manila City Jail.

Pablito Quinzon, a barangay councilor of Monkayo, Compostela Valley, said Mancao has an edge over the other candidates.

According to Quinzon, the former police officer turned fugitive is getting support from incumbent local officials led by Monkayo town Mayor Manuel Brillantes Jr.

Quinzon said they have remained unfazed by Mancao’s escape, adding they would continue to campaign for Mancao even while he is in hiding from the authorities.

“We know what really happened, that is why we continue to support him and we will continue to campaign for him even if he is not around here with us,” he said.

Quinzon told The STAR that Mancao, while still detained at the NBI, kept in touch with the residents of Monkayo and adjacent towns.

Mancao reportedly also extended assistance to those affected by typhoon “Pablo” that struck Compostela Valley last December.

Mancao was among those charged over the murder of publicist Salvador “Bubby” Dacer and his driver Emmanuel Corbito in 2001.

Fearing for his life, Mancao escaped on Thursday, claiming his transfer to the Manila City Jail would endanger his life.