W/ new COMELEC-Bohol head: Election security matters tackled

TAGBILARAN CITY, Philippines – After the assumption of Leonil Marco Castillano as the new Bohol provincial election supervisor, election-related activities and security matters will be discussed during the provincial joint security control meeting slated on Feb. 12, when the election campaign period for national elective posts starts.

Castillano, who was transferred from Cebu to head Comelec-Bohol, replaced Eliseo Labara who was assigned to Siquijor province in a region-wide shuffling of provincial election officials.

Castillano, after paying a courtesy call on Gov. Edgar Chatto last week, told The Freeman that the joint body will tackle updates on peace and order situation being monitored by the police and the military in Bohol.

He was also scheduled to meet with Mayor Dan Neri-Lim of this capital city, and to attend and participate in the command conference of all municipal chiefs of police called by provincial police director, Sr. Supt. Constantino Barot, Jr.

As the concurrent chairman of the joint security control body, Castillano said he was elated over his new assignment here because Bohol is peaceful unlike Cebu province and other places where intense political rivalry between powerful families has been present.

Castillano said the number of Bohol towns in the election watchlist, based on military and police monitoring efforts, were not many, which may reflect on the Boholano culture and people’s inclination for peace without dirty partisan politics reigning in their midst.

It was expected that the inclusion of three LGUs—Trinidad and Danao towns and Tagbilaran City—in the watchlist will be tackled in the meeting by the joint security body.

It was not yet determined however if the purported “delisting” from the watchlist of Danao and other towns where deep-seated political enmity among political dynasties will be considered once more.

Reports said the Bohol Provincial Board has approved a resolution endorsing to Comelec the declaration of Danao town as hotspot and placing it under Comelec control. (FREEMAN)