84 Bukidnon barangays declared poll hotspots

MANILA, Philippines — At least 84 of 464 barangays in Bukidnon have been identified as areas of concern during the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.

Senior Inspector Jisell Longakit, Bukidnon police spokesperson, said Malaybalay and Kitaotao each have 10 barangays declared as poll hotspots; Lantapan, eight; Quezon and Talakag, seven each; Baungon and Impasug-ong, six each; Manolo Fortrich, four; Dangcagan, Valencia, Kibawe, Pangantucan and Sumilao, three each, and Don Carlos and Libona, one each.

Longakit said hotspots are areas where there is a history of intense political rivalry, violent incidents and presence of armed groups, including the Abu Sayyaf, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and New People’s Army.

Chief Superintendent Romulo Sapitula, Ilocos  police director, said they have identified areas of concern in the region, but would release the list after all certificates of candidacy have been filed. Today is the last day for filing COCs.

Sapitula said they would initiate a peace covenant among candidates in Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, Pangasinan and La Union this weekend.

Meanwhile, in Occidental Mindoro, Roberto Escopete, 46, was arrested when he placed a caliber .45 pistol on the table while having a drinking spree with his friends in Barangay Malisbong, Sablayan.

Danilo Reyes, 29, was caught after selling a caliber .38 revolver to an undercover agent in Barangay Boliwao, Quezon.

Escopete and Reyes face charges for violation of the election gun ban.  – With Cesar Ramirez, Cecille Suerte Felipe, Victor Martin