STA. BARBARA – Retired Police Deputy Director General Reynaldo Velasco extended the hands of reconciliation to his foe after winning in this election.

He made the gesture soon after he was proclaimed by the municipal board of canvassers on Wednesday as winner of the mayoralty election in his native Sta. Barbara.

Velasco, a former police director of the National Capital Region, amassed 15,827 votes to defeat former three-term Mayor Carlito Zaplan who got 12,441 votes.

In his speech shortly after his proclamation, Velasco said the greater majority of people of Sta. Barbara has spoken and went on to thank the Almighty and all supporters and thousands who joined him in his journey for new politics and reforms.

“As the newly-elected mayor and father of this great historic town of Sta. Barbara, I call upon all our people to unite and move this town forward,” he said.

Also proclaimed was his runningmate Ruben Jose who garnered 14,486 votes against his opponent Onofre Palaganas who accounted for 12,494 votes.

Elected councilors are Emmanuel Cabangon who collected 19,155 votes; Normal Dalope, 15,212; Rolly Pasaoa, 14,742; Ampoy Ocampo, 12,692; Gerald Paragas, 12,243; Alexander Parayno, 12,113; Tanis Francisco, 11,492 and Rey Santos, 10,546.

Six of the proclaimed candidates for councilors are with Velasco and Jose in the National People’s Coalition.

In his speech, Velasco vowed that he will always be fair and just in his pursuit for good governance and justice for everyone.