Another local government unit in southern Negros is being seen by the Commission on Elections as a possible “area of concern” during the May 9 synchronized polls, provincial police deputy spokesperson, P/Lt. Abegael Donasco, said.
While she did not identify the LGU, Donasco said they are looking into intense political rivalries and the presence of PAGs or private armed groups, as among the parameters that may warrant its inclusion in the election watch list areas.
Mayor Ernesto Estrao earlier claimed that the killing of their political party organizer in Hinobaan was politically-motivated.
But Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said he is hoping that it was not a case of poll violence. “In general, we would like to have peaceful elections,” he added.
Ulysses “Isik” Mahinay was gunned down in front of his house in Barangay Culipapa, Hinobaan Jan 6.
The Hinobaan police has yet to file charges, although they already have a person of interest being investigated.
Moises Padilla and Escalante City have been identified earlier by the Commission on Elections as possible “areas of concern”. Both have histories of election-related violence in the May 2019 polls.
The Provincial Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Center, composed of the Comelec, Philippine Army, National Police, and the Philippine Coast Guard, is slated to convene on Jan. 27 to discuss security matters pertaining to the elections in May, Donasco said. | GB
