DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines – At least a dozen towns in Negros Oriental have been identified election watchlist areas (EWAS), for the May 13 elections, as of latest validation by the provincial and regional Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Centers (JPSCCs).
These are the towns of Jimalalud, Bacong, Basay, La Libertad, Zamboanguita, Vallehermoso, Bindoy, Pamplona, Sibulan, Valencia, Siaton and Sta. Catalina, according to Supt. Alet Virtucio, deputy director of the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (NOrPPO).
Virtucio said these areas have a history of intense political rivalry and/or presence of armed and other threat groups, such as the New People’s Army.
According to Sr. Supt. Noli Romana, OIC provincial police director, the number of EWAS however is expected to change in the coming weeks due to various factors to be considered further.
Romana hoped that the number of EWAS in the province will be reduced even as he admitted that it is a challenge for him and the PNP to ensure the conduct of peaceful and orderly elections in May.
The task of the PNP to match the zero-violent incidents during the 2010 elections in Negros Oriental is a gargantuan task, said Romana, who also urged all sectors to provide support and cooperation for peaceful and orderly elections this time around. (FREEMAN)