- GILBERT BAYORAN
Residents of Negros Oriental are divided on the proposed postponement of the Oct. 30 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE), even amid security assurances from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the National Police.
The stand of nine Negros Oriental mayors to defer the synchronized elections, for at least one month, was supported by the Diocese of Dumaguete and the Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), citing security concerns in the aftermath of the assassination of Gov. Roel Degamo and nine other civilians.
“We don’t see any reason for the delay. What we are requesting is the cooperation and support from the private sector or community,” said PNP chief Benjamin Acorda during the public consultation conducted by the Commission on Elections en banc June 27 in Dumaguete City.
Dumaguete Bishop Julito Cortez asked for the postponement of the elections for one month to erase the fear and trauma felt by the people of Negros Oriental.
On the other hand, Negros Oriental Gov. Manuel Sagarbarria, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan led by Vice Gov. Jaime “Jake” Reyes, 1st District Rep. Jocelyn Limkaichong, Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation of Dumaguete, among others, are supporting the holding of the BSKE on Oct. 30.
AFP chief of staff, Gen. Andres Centino, who also attended the public consultation presided over by Comelec chairman George Erwin Garcia, assured the people of Negros Oriental that they have sufficient forces deployed in the province.
If the situation warrants, we can add more forces, Centino said.
P/Col. Alex Recinto, who is the acting provincial police director, reported that Negros Oriental is generally peaceful, following the assumption of Sagarbarria, and citing a reduction in crime incidents.
The PNP reported a 15.9 percent crime reduction after the assassination of Degamo.
Col. Joey Escanillas, commander of the Army’s 302nd Infantry Brigade, said that the joint AFP and PNP campaign against local insurgents has “somehow diminished the movement.”
While Comelec has yet to decide whether to postpone or not the BSKE in Negros Oriental, Garcia disputed claims that it will be a most violent election.
“We will make the barangay and SK election the most peaceful election in our history,” he stressed.
Garcia warned those who may have intentions of disrupting the polls to think twice because the security forces are ready to respond at any given time.
The Comelec is expected to come up with its decision, either on the last week of August or September./GB
