Ex-PNP chief Aglipay proclaimed Cagayan governor

Former PNP Chief Edgar Aglipay was proclaimed Cagayan governor-elect shortly after 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14, at the provincial canvassing center in the Cagayan Provincial Capitol, Tuguegarao City. In a gesture of unity, he knelt before the newly elected board members aligned with his rivals, appealing for cooperation under his administration. | PHOTO COURTESY of Cagayan PIO

TUGUEGARAO CITY – Former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Edgar “Egay” Aglipay was officially proclaimed as the new governor-elect of Cagayan at around 4:30 p.m. on May 14 by the Provincial Board of Canvassers.

With all votes counted, Aglipay secured 258,470 votes—leading by 27,429 over second-placer Dr. Zarah Lara, who garnered 231,041 votes. Incumbent Vice Governor Melvin Vargas Jr. trailed with 149,745 votes.

The proclamation was administered by the Provincial Board of Canvassers, composed of Atty. Camangeg as chairperson, Atty. Ronnel Nicolas as vice chairperson, and Romel Libang as member-secretary.

In a symbolic gesture, the retired police general knelt before the other newly-elected provincial officials—particularly those not affiliated with his “One Cagayan” team—and called for unity, urging them to set aside political differences for the good of the province.

In a Facebook post, Aglipay expressed gratitude to the people of Cagayan for entrusting him with the governorship.

“This is not my victory alone, but a victory for all of us. A new chapter of service and compassion unfolds before us, and together, we will strive to build a more progressive, orderly, and humane Cagayan,” said Aglipay, a native of Camalaniugan, Cagayan.

Aglipay served as PNP Chief from August 23, 2004, to March 14, 2005. After retiring from service, he ventured into business, becoming chairman of EMME Security Group.

His daughter, Emmeline Aglipay-Villar, has served as undersecretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, a three-term DIWA Party-list representative, and a former justice undersecretary. He is also the father-in-law of Senator Mark Villar.

READ: Ex-PNP chief Edgar Aglipay files candidacy for Cagayan governor

Aglipay’s victory was significantly bolstered by the votes he received from Tuao—stronghold of his ally, outgoing Governor Manuel Mamba—where he amassed 27,641 votes against Lara’s 2,966. This margin helped him overcome Lara’s leads in Tuguegarao City, Solana, and Baggao.

Dr. Lara gracefully conceded defeat in a heartfelt Facebook message:

“I am deeply grateful for your trust. Though this may not be the ending we had hoped for, it marks the beginning of a stronger and more meaningful public service.”

In the vice gubernatorial race, Manuel Mamba achieved a landslide victory with 348,954 votes, defeating his challengers, cousin Leonides Fausto and former governor Alvaro Antonio.

Elected members of the Provincial Board are as follows:

• First District: Rowena Retoma, Kamille Ponce-Perez, and Atty. Romeo Garcia
• Second District: Randy Ursulum, Alninoson Kevin Timbas, and Vilmer Viloria
• Third District: AJ Ponce, Engelbert Caronan, Romar De Asis, and Odi Boy Fausto. INQ