Surigao del Norte Governor Robert Lyndon Barbers secured a second term after narrowly defeating 2nd District Rep. Francisco Jose “Bingo” Matugas II in a closely watched race across the Caraga region. Barbers garnered 173,037 votes, edging out Matugas, who received 167,234, a difference of 5,803 votes based on results with 98.99% of election returns counted as of 11:51 a.m. Wednesday. This margin was slimmer than in 2022, when Barbers unseated Matugas’ father, former governor Francisco Matugas, by 18,116 votes. Despite the loss, the elder Matugas reclaimed the congressional seat in the 1st District, defeating Barbers’ ally, lawyer Lucille Sering, with 59,800 votes to her 35,808. Sering has filed a disqualification case against both Matugases, alleging they used government resources during their campaign, including a video featuring Surigao del Norte State University facilities. Meanwhile, Barbers’ sister-in-law Bernadette won the 2nd District congressional race, defeating lawyer Jun Egay with 123,091 votes to 98,639. Barbers’ running mate, Vice Governor Geed Gokiangkee, won reelection with 212,418 votes against Bully Navarro IV’s 116,960. In Surigao City, Mayor Paul Dumlao was reelected with 58,300 votes against former mayor Nitoy Matugas, who received 33,304. Dumlao’s running mate, former mayor Alfonso Casurra, also won with 49,095 votes over Cacel Azarcon’s 37,903. (Chris V. Panganiban / MindaNews)
