Shimura wants Bogo under Comelec control

CEBU, Philippines - Provincial Board Member Sun Shimura wants Bogo City placed under the control of Commission on Elections (Comelec) following reports of strafing of houses and arrests of armed men who are not from the city.

Shimura of the fourth district of Cebu said that putting the city under Comelec control would mean stricter security and prevent election-related incidents from happening.

Bogo is among the places in Cebu in the Election Watchlist of Areas for the May 2013 elections.

Lawyer Eddie Aba, Comelec Provincial Supervisor for Cebu, earlier explained that the towns and cities included in the EWAS were recommended by the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The recommendation is based on the law enforcement agencies' threat assessment as well as on the security reports submitted by the election officer of the Province.

Aba said that they do not see the need to have any town or city in Cebu placed under Comelec control since the whole province is generally peaceful.

Comelec Commissioner Sixto Brillantes had denied the request of Rep. Benhur Salimbangon of the fourth district of Cebu to place Bogo City under Comelec Control.

Shimura admitted that Bogo has been known for its intense political rivalry and he hopes that violence can be avoided this time.

"This is our own political interest na makalingkod ta. But hopefully, dili sagulan ug binuang na makasakit sa isig ka tawo," Shimura said.

Shimura recalled that in the past, there were a number of residents who were prevented from casting their votes.

He said they do their part in keeping their constituents safe and that they will ensure all the registered voters would be able to vote. – (FREEMAN)