Thousands pay last respects to Ilagan mayor

ILAGAN, Isabela — "We love you Mayor. You are always in our hearts," wailed thousands of residents and local officials here who paid their last respects to slain Ilagan Mayor Delfinito Albano, who was laid to rest yesterday.

This booming capital town went into a standstill for an hour as Albano’s remains were brought to the Saint Ferdinand Cathedral and finally to the slain mayor’s final resting place at the municipal cemetery.

At least five people, who apparently could not contain their emotions, collapsed as the mayor’s casket was being lowered to his grave at 12 noon.

The municipal government, now led by Mayor Josemari Diaz, declared a non-working holiday yesterday in deference to the mayor’s interment following a five-day wake at the family residence in Barangay Alibagu.

Albano, who was on his second term as mayor, is survived by his wife, Marites, 45, and children Manuel Delfinito, 16; twins Theresa and Ma. Victoria, 14; and Niño.

Albano was gunned down by ski mask-wearing men in Quezon City last June 27.

The Albano clan, led by the slain mayor’s half-brother, Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) chairman Rodolfo Albano Jr., still refused to issue a statement on the possible suspects and their motives.

Despite the mayor’s gruesome murder, the Albanos vowed never to resort to personal vendetta against the perpetrators of the killing.

Tonypet Albano, younger brother of Isabela first district Rep. Rodito Albano, said they would rather see the wheels of justice run their course rather than resorting to personal vendetta.

Tonypet and Rodito are both sons of the ERC chairman, who himself served as Isabela congressman for several terms.

Police investigators hinted that politics, business or personal grudge could be the motive behind the mayor’s killing.

Earlier, the town council, now led by Vice Mayor Samuel Maddara, passed four resolutions condemning the killing and prodding the authorities for a speedy investigation.

The council also approved separate resolutions extending sympathy to the Albano clan and extolling Albano’s accomplishments and leadership.

For its part, the provincial board, led by Vice Gov. Ramon Reyes, and the Isabela league of mayors, headed by Alicia Mayor Napoleon Dy, also condemned the killing and called on the police to arrest the perpetrators soonest.