Wednesday, March 21, 2007 La Libertad declared hotspot area By Victor L. Camion
THE town of La Libertad is now under the area of concern of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Negros Oriental following an ambush-slay in Barangay Manlumisag recently.
Police Provincial Director Melvin Ramon Buenafe recanted earlier statement that there is no election hotspot in the province.
But the ambush in La Libertad town can now be considered as indicators in placing the town as election hotspot, Buenafe said.
Aside from the ambush incident, the town also has the presence of intense political rivalry.
In this connection, Buenafe clarified they have closely coordinated with the 303rd Brigade of the Philippine Army to prevent a repeat of the incident.
He further said they cannot control the minds of the people especially with the forthcoming elections.
Buenafe also assured the augmentation of the police officers in the town of La Libertad.
At present, he said, La Libertad-Philippine National Police (PNP) has 25 active personnel to include two policewomen.
Buenafe added that they will not only focus in La Libertad but also in other towns and cities, which have intense political rivalry especially in areas affected by insurgency.
Meanwhile, a joint team consists of Task Force Hope, PNP Provincial Command, and the La Libertad Police is still on its investigation process.
