Election-related violence scares new Abra bishop

Even the Catholic bishop in Abra could not hide his fear of what could happen in the northern province tagged as an election hot spot in the May 14 elections.

Newly designated Bangued Bishop Leopoldo Jaucian admitted that he spent the entire Holy Week praying for clean and peaceful elections in Abra, where political violence and killings seem to have become commonplace during elections.

‘‘Honestly speaking, I am scared here and I do not deny my fears. But deep within my heart, I am also thankful to God for this great task given to me by the leadership of the Church,’’ Jaucian said in an interview aired over Radio Veritas.

The prelate revealed that he joined the procession in his diocese last Good Friday and prayed to Sto. Entierro, the image of the crucified Jesus Christ.

‘‘In my prayer I asked Jesus to take away with His death the traditional politics of guns, goons, and gold here so that we may be able to raise with Him a province where people live in truth, justice, peace and love,’’ he said.

Jaucian, however, said he has been pushing for voters’ education since he was assigned to the diocese of Bangued, the capital town, last month.

He said their committee on social action has initiated a multisectoral group to monitor and supervise clean, honest, authentic, meaningful and peaceful elections in the strife-torn province.

Jaucian said many residents have volunteered to help monitor the local polls. They are now undergoing training in preparation for their tasks in the May 14 elections. 

Asked what he thinks is the biggest challenge for the people of Abra, Jaucian said, ‘‘First and foremost the attitude and outlook of people where their selfish interest supersedes their concern for others. Without this mentality, I think we could finally progress and end violence here.’’

Abra has been placed under the control of the Commission on Elections due to its history of poll-related violence.

Last December, Abra Rep. Luis Bersamin was gunned down in front of the Mt. Carmel Church in New Manila, Quezon City after attending the wedding of a relative.

Abra Gov. Vicente Valera, who is seeking Bersamin’s post in the May polls, was implicated in the killing, but he denied the allegations.

Recently, Comelec chairman Benjamin Abalos and Philippine National Police chief Director General Oscar Calderon witnessed the signing of a peace covenant among Abra politicians.