Rebels to take advantage of brgy, SK polls - Army

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines - The New People's Army may take advantage of the barangay and SK elections in October, according to Brig. Gen. Francisco Patrimonio, commander of the 302nd Infantry Brigade based in Tanjay City in Negros Oriental.

The elections are localized and the insurgents would attempt to have an influence on barangay officials as part of their mass-base strengthening, said Patrimonio.

The military official said the NPA can "consolidate and strengthen its hold of the local population if they can influence the barangay elections where they can get the sympathy of the barangay officials."

There are a total of 557 barangays in Negros Oriental that will be electing their new set of officials in October. Of this number, 34 barangays are still "under the influence" of the NPA, majority of which are in the 1st and 3rd districts of the province, Patrimonio said.

Last Friday, the Philippine Army, the Philippine National Police and the Commission on Elections-comprising the Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Center (JPSCC) in the province-met to start deliberations on matters concerning the elections.

The JPSCC has yet to identify the barangays to be placed under the election watch list areas, said Patrimonio, adding that his troops are now ready for deployment to provide security at the voting centers for the October polls.  (FREEMAN)