Police prevent mayor, vice mayor from entering Urdaneta City Hall

BAGUIO CITY — Members of the Pangasinan Police Office (PPO), along with the head of Police Regional Office-Region 1, accompanied Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 1 Chief Jonathan Paul Leusen to prevent two suspended Urdaneta City officials from entering City Hall on Friday morning.

This action was taken in response to a directive from DILG Secretary Juanito Victor C. Remulla, who, on Thursday, instructed DILG Region 1 to enforce the suspension order and prevent the mayor and vice mayor of Urdaneta City from resuming their duties.

The two officials, Mayor Julio F. Parayno III and Vice Mayor Jimmy Parayno, were suspended by DILG Region 1 on 7 January in accordance with a decision made by Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin on 3 January.

They were found administratively liable for grave misconduct and grave abuse of authority, and ordered to vacate their positions for a period of 12 months.

The suspension stemmed from a complaint filed by barangay captain Michael Brian M. Perez in October 2022.

Despite the suspension, Mayor Parayno remained defiant, arguing that the suspension was improper, claiming he was on leave when the order was served.

However, the Office of the Provincial Government clarified that no leave was approved for Parayno. He also contested the suspension, citing the election ban period.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) later affirmed that the suspension order did not violate any guidelines, confirming its legality.

Despite these clarifications, Parayno continued to perform his duties, issuing executive orders and signing official documents.

Remulla earlier stated that they have informed relevant agencies and institutions regarding the suspended officials’ status and are currently gathering evidence for possible legal action.

At 4 p.m., the police, escorted by Leusen, were briefed by DILG Regional Director Police Brigadier General Lou Evangelista and Pangasinan Police Provincial Director Rollyfer Capoquian.

After the briefing, they proceeded to City Hall to secure the premises. Mayor Parayno was not present during the operation.