Detained barangay chair in Misamis Oriental re-elected

The incumbent chairman of Barangay Patag in this town who was arrested a week before the elections was elected a third time.

Hermito Laid Jr. was arrested on May 6 for possession of illegal drugs and explosives.

Because of this, Laid was unable to campaign but still managed to get 800 votes, enough to secure victory.

Alona Laid believes that her husband's win proved he is still loved in his barangay "despite the accusations thrown at him."

Department of Interior and Local Government 10 director Arnel Agabe said that, since Laid is in prison while the case against him is ongoing, he is "temporarily incapacitated" to serve, which is why the first village councilor has assumed the post as acting village chief.

Mike Añora, who ranked first among the village councilors, said he is ready to assume the position.

Senior Inspector Dennis Flores of the Opol Municipal Police Station said authorities are not questioning Laid's victory but stressed that he is under their watch list for his involvement in illegal drugs.

Laid is facing charges of violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act and Illegal Possession of Explosives. (Source: ABS-CBN News. Original title:  Detained barangay chairman facing drug charges re-elected in Misamis Oriental)