BAGUIO CITY – Mayor Benjamin Magalong has strongly denied that he pointed a gun at a businessman, instead he condemned the character assassination being carried out against him as the elections approached.

“I never pointed a gun, Fred Go knows that,” Magalong said regarding the rumor that he pointed a gun at a businessman, in connection with the rumor that he owns big businesses in the city.

It was learned that Magalong allegedly confronted Fred Go, the current owner of Good Taste, about why he did not tell the truth that he had no connection or that he (Magalong) was not the owner of Good Taste Restaurant.

“I said I never transacted business with your family, all you have to tell the truth. He said he doesn’t want me to get involved in politics. I said it has nothing to do with politics, it is all about ethics and morals. I’m just showing that I’m fighting for you, look I’m under threat, that’s why my gun is here, look at my guns in front of me,” Magalong said.

According to Magalong, he believes that this is all just character assassination and that he has been continuously being slandered since he took office as the city mayor.

Magalong also said that they learned that someone hired several taxi drivers, including several senior citizens, to spread the word to the public every day that he owns the Parkway Condo and Medical Center; owns 200 taxi units and the Good Taste.

The said business establishments have already made statements on their respective social media and denied any connection with the mayor.

It was also learned that Magalong and Fred Go spoke again and both apologized to each other regarding the issue.

The management of Good Taste has now issued a Notice to the Public stating that Magalong does not own the said popular and popular restaurant.

Magalong also admitted that he now carries a gun, after confirming to him that he has a death threat.

“I received a message from former Secretary Allen Capuyan, because I asked him for help on what this threat was to me. On February 19, he messaged me and said, Sir, be careful, the threat seems positive.”

He said he was not afraid of the threat in any way to his life. “I was afraid of the safety of my family, what if they did something to me and hurt my family.”

According to Magalong, he believes that his alleged opponent is trying to silence him in connection with his disclosure of his knowledge of government corruption.

Magalong also stated that city hall employees have nothing to worry about, as security measures are in place inside and outside the building. By Zaldy Comanda