Panabo Mayor Relampagos placed under 60-day preventive suspension

According to sources who spoke to NewsFort, the suspension stemmed from complaints involving slight physical injuries, violation of the election gun ban, and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. The complaints were filed by Davao del Norte-based broadcaster Oliver Autor in connection with an alleged altercation on February 24, 2025, at a barangay gym in Upper Licanan, Panabo City.

GeographicReference

Maps

In his complaint, Autor alleged that Relampagos confronted him over his commentaries on issues involving the mayor and subsequently kicked and punched him. He also alleged that several members of the mayor’s security team joined the assault and that one of them hit him with a monoblock chair.

Autor further alleged that some of the security personnel were armed and that he was threatened with firearms as he attempted to escape.

He reported the incident to the Panabo City Police Station and sought medical attention at the city health office, where he said he was diagnosed with multiple physical injuries allegedly caused by blunt trauma.

Following the implementation of Relampagos’ suspension, Vice Mayor Engr. Franklin D. Gentiles assumed the post as acting city mayor on September 18.

Reacting to the development, Autor questioned the absence of an explanation in the Panabo City Information Office's post announcing Gentiles' installation as acting mayor.

“It is so surprising to see the post of Panabo City Information about the installation of Vice Mayor Engr. Franklin D. Gentiles as Acting Mayor without stating the reason for the temporary succession by the second highest authority in the LGU,” Autor said.

Autor said the public has the right to know the reason behind Relampagos’ temporary absence from the city government.

He also acknowledged that reports about the mayor's suspension had been circulating on social media and that some posts were linking him to the development.

“Even though some posts in social media are going viral about the mayor's suspension and making me as the reason for his rumored predicament, I cannot confirm nor deny if it is true until I see the pertinent documents,” Autor said.

The preventive suspension is an administrative measure while the proceedings are pending and does not, by itself, constitute a finding of guilt.

The City Government of Panabo's official website currently lists its public information and news updates, but the latest material accessible there did not provide details on the reason for Gentiles' assumption of the acting mayor post.