Pro, anti-recall rallies square off

By Jovi T. De Leon

CITY OF SAN FERNNADO -- The controversial Arnedo Park will be the site of two rallies Wednesday as pro-recall groups led by the Kapanalig at Kambilan Ning Memalen Pampanga and anti-recall supporters led by the Kasaup "square off."

Both groups will proclaim their respective positions on issues hounding embattled Governor Eddie Panlilio.

Kasaup members led by Vicky Tantoco have set up a stage with a canopy west of the park, facing the picket line of the protesting Biyaya A Luluguran At Sisikapan (Balas) members in preparation for what she said would be a well-attended prayer rally at 3 p.m. to show support for the priest-turned- governor and manifest their anti-recall sentiments.

At the other end, Kambilan has already pitched up a medium-sized tent in preparation for their rally there tomorrow morning.

A protesting Balas leader said the recall initiators would also set up their stage at the area where the two-month long protesting quarrymen erected platforms during their two recent rallies held September 17 and 22.

During the last Balas rally, members of Kambilan led by Rosve Henson joined the protesters and "borrowed" their stage for the signing of the recall petition by Advocacy for the Development of Central Luzon (ADCL) head Rene Romero and Candaba Mayor Jerry Pelayo.

Henson earlier said they will file the recall petition before the provincial office of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) here Wednesday. He said his group has gathered 220,000 verified signatures, more than enough to put the petition to true substance and form.

According to former Balas leader Edu de Leon, the possible square-off, morning or afternoon, "will be one spectacle" at the acclaimed freedom park, where he said, "the battle of numbers would now be seen."

Kasaup's Tantoco said they have invited all their members and supporters to be at Arnedo for this rally. On Sunday, the group converged at the Betis parish church for an early morning march and prayer rally attended by Panlilio and anti-recall proponents from the province.

The Kambilan rally on Wednesday, which is seen to set the spark for the filing of the recall petition, is expected to be attended by thousands of its supporters.

But de Leon and members of the protesting Balas were quick to note: "Could Kasaup have a permit? Or are they admitting that Arnedo is indeed a freedom park?"