• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Negros Occidental Provincial Elections Supervisor Ian Lee Ananoria said Wednesday he believes the issuance of show-cause orders to candidates involved in alleged premature campaigning for the synchronized barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections has helped in easing tensions.
The Comelec has issued 47 show-cause orders to candidates aspiring for elective positions in the barangay level for violations of the Omnibus Election Code and gave them 24 hours to answer the allegations.
Ananoria, who presided over the Provincial Joint Security Coordinating Center meeting at the Negros Residences in Bacolod City, said the heating up of the campaign was preempted because of the show-cause orders.
It de-escalated political rivalries, he added.
Ananoria also reported that the number of election areas of concerns (EACs) in Negros Occidental remains at 51.
PCol. Leo Pamittan, provincial director of Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, who co-chairs the PJSCC, said they have not monitored any intense political rivalries.
Of the 51 EACs in Negros Occidental, three are under the Red category, three more under the Yellow category or areas of concern, and 45 others under the Orange category or areas of immediate concern.
The three villages placed under the Red category are Barangay Minapasuk in Calatrava, and Barangays Quintin Remo and Macagahay, all in Moises Padilla.
Rebel-infested areas will be prioritized in the deployment of the quick reaction force, Pamittan said, as he assured the public there is nothing to worry.
These villages are under control by both the Philippine Army and Philippine National Police, he added.
Barangay Tabugon in Kabankalan City, where six communist rebels died in a recent encounter, will remain in its category.
Ananoria said they will continue to monitor and evaluate the 662 barangays in Negros Occidental during the campaign period from Oct. 19 to 28.
In the meeting, members of the PJSCC, including the Philippine Army and the Philippine Coast Guard, also discussed operational concerns, such as deployment of troops and logistics needed.
Pamittan said they are eyeing to duplicate the zero election-related incidents in the 2022 national and local elections for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections this year.
He also reported that 50 percent of the 31 local government units in Negros Occidental facilitated the signing of peace covenants among the candidates in their respective areas. | GB
