79 brgys in Negros Or under poll watchlist

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines -  At least 79 barangays in Negros Oriental have been initially tagged as watchlist areas for the May 13 elections, either due to perceived or possible intense political rivalry and/or the presence of New People's Army rebels.

As of last January 8, the latest validation by intelligence operatives of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the 302nd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army identified 21 barangays in six cities/municipalities as listed under Category 1 and 58 barangays in 11 cities/municipalities listed under Category 2.

This was disclosed by Supt. Alet Virtucio, deputy provincial police director for administration, during the convening of the Diocesan Electoral Board of the Diocese of Dumaguete on Thursday.

Of the municipalities and cities with election watch list areas, Guihulngan City in the north ranked first, having the most number of barangays listed in Category 2 due to perceived intense political rivalry and the presence of the NPA, said Virtucio.

The 19 barangays are Trinidad, Hibaiyo, Basak, Balugo, Banwague, Planas, Nagsaha, Calamba, Bulado, Magsaysay, Imelda, Binobohan, Tacpao, Hilaitan, Calupaan, Hinakpan, Sandayao, Maniak, and Villegas.

Other LGUs with barangays listed under Category 2 are Canlaon City and the towns of Vallehermoso, La Libertad, Bindoy,  Pamplona, Sibulan, Valencia, Zamboanguita, Siaton and Sta. Catalina.

The LGUs with areas listed under Category I are: Canlaon City, Tanjay City and Bayawan City and the towns of Jimalalud, Bacong and Basay.

The categorization and delisting of these barangays could change any time even as provincial election supervisor Eddie Aba expressed optimism that Negros Oriental will be able to achieve once again a zero election-related violent incident in the May elections, same as in 2010. 

Colonel Francisco Patrimonio, commander of the 302nd IB based in Tanjay City, disclosed that the Philippine Army's role is to provide support to the PNP all throughout the election period, but will be mainly in charge over areas affected by insurgency.

The 302nd IB's areas of coverage are Negros Oriental and Siquijor provinces and the 5th congressional district of Negros Occidental. (FREEMAN)