22 October 2014

Alleged Abuse Prompted Josie Tallado to Hide

Josie Tallado
Last 19 October 2014, authorities launched a massive search for Josefina “Josie” Tallado, wife of Camarines Norte Gov. Edgardo Tallado and her female aide, Darlene Francisco.

The operation conducted by a combine force of military and police personnel was prompted after the black Toyota Fortuner that Mrs. Tallado and her aide last used was found abandoned in Lupi town. The vehicle, registered under the governor's name, still had its engine running, with headlights on, doors open and showed evidence of attempts to burn the vehicle.

Three days later, Ms. Tallado reappeared and said that she and her friend left because of threats to harm her.

Accompanied by lawyer Lorna Kapunan, Ms. Tallado told ANC's Headstart program she felt she was not safe at their home anymore. The threats, Mrs Tallado said, was because the governor had accused her of uploading a photo of his alleged mistress on Facebook.

"Umalis ako ng bahay namin dahil alam kong hindi na ako safe sa aming tahanan," she said. (I left our home because I don't feel safe there anymore.)

She claims the governor had verbally threatened her because of the photo upload, and that she felt there have been unknown people trying to enter their home in the past weeks. It is not clear if she has evidence to support this claims.

She also said their 27-year-old son knows about the marital problem.