Cops beef up security for Bulacan ABC polls

MALOLOS CITY , Philippines   â€“ Police units in Bulacan have been on full alert since yesterday for the simultaneous Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) elections in 21 towns and three cities today.

Senior Superintendent Joel Orduna, Bulacan police director, said the alert status is meant to allay fears of many residents, as at least two shooting incidents were reported in the province this month.

Last Friday, still unidentified men fired at a vehicle of Rosita Garcia, village chief of Barangay Barangka in Baliwag town. Another shooting incident was reported in Bocaue town also that day.

Orduna said police were still investigating both incidents, adding though that the Bocaue attack was not related to the ABC elections today. 

Gov. Wilhelmino Alvarado called for sobriety among village chiefs, saying that in electing the local ABC presidents today, they must chose the ones who would lead and help them. 

Alvarado denied meddling in the election of ABC presidents in the 21 towns and three cities.

If ever he wants to influence the results of the ABC polls, he said he might do it in the selection of the province’s ABC federation president, who would eventually have a seat in the provincial board and be part of the decision-making process.

Sources said mayors are wielding their influence in the ABC polls, adding that even before today’s balloting, a number of them have endorsed their personal bets for league presidents, usually relatives or supporters in last May’s midterm elections.