October Elections: 28 barangays in CV monitored

CEBU, Philippines - The Election Security Coordinating Council in Central Visayas has initially identified 28 barangays in the region as areas of concern for next month’s barangay elections.

Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 director Danilo Constantino said that out of the 28 barangays identified, 27 are barangays in the Province of Negros Oriental and one is from the Province of Siquijor while barangays in Cebu are still being monitored

Constantino represented the Philippine National Police in yesterday’s second Regional Joint Security Coordinating Council (RJSCC) meeting with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Commission on Election (Comelec) 7.

So far, Constantino said they have identified 28 barangays in Region 7 that needs more attention considering its history of intense political rivalry.

“Based sa previous record, may election-related incidents, intense political rivalry at presence of CPP-NPA (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army) sa mga barangays na ‘to,” said Constantino.

The figure may either decrease or increase as the election draws near, especially following the filing of Certificate of Candidacy (COC) on October 11 to 17, he said.

The Philippine Army- Armed Forces of the Philippines said that 27 barangays in Negros Oriental are now among the areas of concerned after they received reports that members of the New People’s Army are trying to take advantage of the preparations for the upcoming Barangay Elections.

Brigadier General Francisco Patrimonio, commander of the 302nd Brigade stationed in the said province said that they are closely monitoring the barangays in the towns of Guihulngan, Sta. Catalina and Siaton.

“During this time NPAs will try to take advantage by strengthening their influence by supporting candidates,” Patrimonio said.

But Patrimonio warned those who will be supported by NPAs that if proven, they will be disqualified by the Commission on Election (Comelec).

Patrimonio said that they experienced this a few years ago when some barangay captains, mostly from far flung barangays, sided with the NPAs.

“Well they have to be aware that they could be disqualified because of that and the military is willing to provide security to candidates who have threats from the NPA,” he said.

He added that 302nd Brigade has enough personnel to be deployed to the three towns mentioned as to monitor the NPAs moves.

Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) director Noel Gillamac, Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) director Noli Romana, and Lapu-Lapu City Police Office director Rey Lyndon  Lawas  said  no election-related violence has been reported in their  respective jurisdictions so far.

Romana said that he went to Barangay Guba, Cebu City after receiving a report that armed men were seen roaming the area.

“I went to Brgy. Guba and had a dialogue with the incumbent barangay capt. He is no longer running for the position. I got a text kasi that there are armed men daw going around at night supporting a candidate so I went there to personally inquire about the situation. Negative man based on our validation. Peaceful pa rin so far.”

Further, Constantino said that PRO-7, with the help of Central Command, is already prepared with security measures starting off by intensifying the campaign against loose firearms even before the start of the election gun ban on September 28.

“We’re well-prepared and we’re banking on the support from the AFP and CentCom,” the PRO 7 director declared.

Comelec 7 Regional Director Temie Lambino, who heads RJSCC 7, said that compared to the national elections, the barangay elections need greater preparation.

“This is a grassroots election, so it’s a more serious matter. Based in statistics, higher ang turn-out sa votes during barangay elections, so there’s greater preparation needed habang paparami ang tao,” Lambino said.  (FREEMAN)