• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Armed Forces of the Philippines Visayas Command (Viscom) has shifted its focus on the special election for the Third District of Negros Oriental slated on Dec. 9.
The campaign period has been set from Nov. 9 to Dec. 7, as prescribed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
The holding of special election was prompted by the expulsion of Rep. Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves from the House of Representatives, after he was linked to the assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo in March this year.
In a statement, Viscom chief Lt. Gen. Benedict Arevalo manifested willingness to provide security to the politically-unstable province by assisting the Comelec in the conduct of the special election.
“We are prepared and ready to support the Comelec and the Philippine National Police once called upon to serve. At present, coordination with the Comelec is being undertaken for the guidelines in the conduct of the special election for us to align our security plan,” Arevalo said.
After Teves’ expulsion, House Speaker Martin Romualdez was chosen as the district’s caretaker.
Rey Lopez, a retired Philippine Navy officer and an ally of Degamo, on Tuesday filed his certificate of candidacy to run for the Third District congressional seat.
Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia earlier said that they are considering placing the Third District under its control for the special election.
“The people can be assured of a safe and secured special election this coming Dec. 9. In the last Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections, our security efforts covered the entire province. This time, we only have to focus on the Third District. If there is a need for us to add troops, then we will do so,” Arevalo said.
In the last elections, Viscom sent 181 security personnel to Negros Oriental. | GB
