Mayor Antonio Renacia of Sibulan, Oriental Negros denied reports that he is maintaining bodyguards.

Renacia was reacting to a question at a television program recently, that he was still keeping three bodyguards, although when the May 14 polls are over. He, however said that his security people were strongly recommended by the chief of police of Sibulan because of the death threats he has been receiving.

"This is the first time that I am making it public that I had been receiving death threats before the May election," Renacia said adding that he received the threats through text messages.

He said it was the police chief who insisted that he should have security escorts, and added that he is ready to terminate their services if the PNP head recommends it. "This is not only for my own security, but also for the sake of our municipality. How could I perform my duties and responsibilities if something wrong happens to me?" Renacia said.

Renacia won his third term as mayor of the town in the recent election.

Meanwhile, a shipping company plans to field a fast craft to service the Sibulan-Liloon, Cebu route and vice versa, because of the huge volume of passengers.

Renacia said the Montenegro Shipping Lines is interested to assign a boat to the route, which is being served by pumpboats and two small passenger boats. Although the offer is still being studied, the mayor said he agrees to the plan because it will shorten travel time from Cebu to Negros and vice versa.

Renacia said big vessels have very limited number of trips, usually during the evening, aside from the transport cost. This will also generate income for the municipality, from the P10 terminal fee collected from passengers, and will provide livelihood to port vendors.*RA

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