• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Negros Island Region clarified on Wednesday, Oct. 9, that Negros Oriental has not been placed under the Comelec control for the May 2025 midterm elections.
Only the commission en banc can declare it under Comelec control, based on the recommendation of the Regional Joint Security Control Center (RJSCC).
Lionel Marco Castillano, Comelec regional director for NIR, said that the declaration also depends on the prevailing peace and order, adding that they have not monitored the existence of private armed groups in Negros Oriental.
He added that the RJSCC cannot still be convened for now since the Philippine National Police (PNP) has not yet established the Police Regional Office for the NIR, which is composed of the provinces of Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental and Siquijor.
The RJSCC is comprised of the regional directors of the Comelec and the PNP as well as highest ranking officer of the Philippine Army and Philippine Coast Guard in the new Visayas region.
There are six candidates vying for the Negros Oriental gubernatorial post, among them are incumbent Gov. Manuel Sagarbarria, former Gov. Henry Pryde Teves, and four other independent bets.
Teves served as governor for three months after the 2022 elections before he stepped down, following a Comelec ruling declaring then Gov. Roel Degamo as the rightful winner.
His brother, expelled Negros Oriental Third District Rep. Arnolfo Teves, is wanted for the assassination of Degamo and nine other people last year.
During the 2023 barangay elections, Negros Oriental was placed under Comelec control although no poll-related violence was reported during the election period.
Pamplona Mayor Janice Vallega Degamo, widow of the slain governor, filed her certificate of candidacy for congresswoman of the Third District.
The two other congressional candidates are Janice Teves Gaston, aunt of siblings Pryde and Arnolfo, and retired Navy Capt. Rey Lopez.
“It would show that democracy is alive in Negros Oriental. If you look at it, candidates are no longer afraid to file their candidacies,” Castillano said. | GB
