BACOLOD CITY, (PNA) — Thirty villages in Negros Occidental will be closely watched by the Philippine Army and the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) during the election period leading to the Oct. 28 barangay elections.
This was disclosed by the COMELEC and the Philippine Army, with the Philippine National Police, during the command conference of the Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Center (JPSCC) held at the Governor’s Hall of the Provincial Capitol Saturday.
The JPSCC, however, did not name the barangays.
Col. Jon Aying, commander of the 303rd Brigade, said they will tightly watch these barangays to ensure that no armed group will influence the voters in these areas.
“Our efforts shall focus on the armed groups moving around trying to influence the outcome of the election,” he said.
Aying said these 30 barangays situated in hinterland areas are those with established influence of the NPA rebels indicated by their regular visits in the area.
“We just want to ensure that the people can vote freely and will not be under threat or intimidation by the rebels,” he added.
Aying, however, said they see lesser tension during the barangay elections compared to the national and local elections last May.
“While the rivalry may trigger violence, it will not reach the provincial level and will be contained in the barangays,” he said.
The Army official also urged the people to help ensure a fair and peaceful barangay elections.
For his part, Provincial Election Supervisor Jessie Suarez said they will not lower their guards in ensuring a peaceful and orderly elections.
Suarez said he has directed all election officers to monitor the candidates and submit a report from time to time.
He added that COMELEC personnel will have lighter load this time because the vote counting will be done manually.