By Felipe V. Celino
ROXAS CITY, Capiz — Pontevedra Vice Mayor Ferne Oquendo clarified that the heated exchange between Mayor Henry Tumlos and Liga ng mga Barangay president Delly Hansen was a mere misunderstanding.
Oquendo, who was present during the incident, said the argument did not escalate further as Sangguniang Bayan members stepped in to pacify the two officials.
The incident occurred during the Christmas party of the vice mayor’s and SB offices last week.
According to Oquendo, the dispute began as a minor argument but escalated and lasted for about 15 minutes.
To defuse the situation, one SB member escorted Hansen out of the venue. Oquendo also denied claims that a commotion occurred between the mayor and Hansen.
Following the incident, Hansen took to Facebook, posting remarks against the mayor.
On Wednesday morning, December 18, Mayor Tumlos held a press conference condemning Hansen’s alleged behavior.
“I, Mayor Henry Tumlos, strongly condemn the actions of Kapitan Delly Hansen. As a representative of the people of Pontevedra, we will take the necessary steps to address this matter,” Tumlos said in an official statement to the media.
