• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
It’s all systems go for the synchronized national and local elections in Negros Island Region (NIR) today amid claims of harassment incidents in the cities of Silay and Talisay.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is 100 percent ready as all the automated counting machines and ballots, including security preparations, are already in place, Comelec-NIR assistant regional director Jossil Macute said.
PBrig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, regional director of Police Regional Office-NIR, said security measures are in full force to ensure a safe, orderly and peaceful elections in the region.
“We stand ready to serve and protect,” Ibay said.
Since May 6, almost 8,200 policemen, Philippine Army soldiers and Philippine Coast Guard personnel have been deployed in strategic areas of Negros Island.
In case of another Kanlaon Volcano eruption, Ibay and Maj. Gen. Michael Samson, 3rd Infantry Division commander, said their respective contingency plans are also in place to assist the Comelec and the Office of Civil Defense.
Meanwhile, the Comelec and the Philippine National Police (PNP) have been urged to immediately act on the reported threats and harassments of some people in the cities of Silay and Talisay in Negros Occidental on Sunday.
Mayor Neil Lizares reported these alleged incidents as he called on the police and the Comelec to secure the safety of Talisaynons.
“This is not only alarming, it’s unacceptable, and we cannot remain silent,” he said. Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez, a congressional aspirant for the third district, strongly condemned the alleged harassment incidents in the two cities.
Benitez also asked the PNP and the Comelec to take decisive action to protect the peace and order and the will of the people.
“To all candidates: now is the time to lead with integrity, not intimidation. To all voters: stand your ground, protect your voice, and vote with courage. Democracy is stronger when fear has no place,” he added.
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson encouraged the Negrense voters to go out and vote.
“Your votes matter and your voices deserve to be heard,” he said. | GB
