Control of a “hotspot” is like under martial law – Comelec

TAGBILARAN CITY, Philippines  — Placing a town considered as “hotspot” or an “area of concern,” under control of the Comelec prior to an election resembles martial law rule, said Eliseo Labaria, Bohol provincial election supervisor.

Labaria explained this scenario to The Freeman following the request of Provincial Board Member Romulo Gonzaga Cepedoza to the PB to consider asking Comelec to place Danao town under Comelec watch.

The reported heightened “political rift” between the Gonzaga-Cepedoza clan that for several years dominated the political landscape in Danao town appeared to be heading for a collision course as the electoral exercise is drawing near.

PB Member Cepedoza, in his privilege speech, said: “I also call upon the Comelec to put the town of Danao under Comelec control.”

For his part, Mayor Louis Thomas Gonzaga, cousin of Cepedoza told The Freeman he welcomed the move to place the town under Comelec control, saying that he “saw a pattern of harassing and killing of his avid followers and supporters.”

A certain Roldan Torres, a laiason officer of Cantakoy Hydropower project here, was gunned down recently in Inabanga town while on board his motorcycle. Walter Melencion is said to have suffered the same fate.

Lawyer Abeleon Sabijon, legal consultant of Danao town, was attacked in broad daylight by armed men when he was about to enter his office in Tagbilaran City. He sustained serious gunshots.

Labaria explained that, if such scenario is granted, the Comelec will designate a lawyer to man the control and authorize to mobilize all law enforcers and resources, including setting up of preventive measures, including checkpoints of persons in and out of the town.

He cited as example the case of Bantayan island in Cebu province, where three towns were put under Comelec control following the murder of a mayor there, whom he did not name. The Comelec was so effective that netted the flow of goons and prevented other “illegal” acts expected of a hotspot, he said.

Labaria said he could not do otherwise if the Comelec head office grants Cepedoza’s request. But the PB where Cepedoza’s request (Comelec control) was referred has yet to decide whether to give nod or not to the PB member’s motion, as of presstime.  (FREEMAN)