Monday, May 07, 2007 Cops downgrade security status of 3 SoCot towns
POLICE have downgraded the security status of at least three municipalities in South Cotabato earlier identified as "areas of immediate concern" or hotspots in the run-up to the May 14 elections.
In his report to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) provincial office, Senior Supt. Robert Kiunisala, South Cotabato police director, said the towns of T'boli, Polomolok and Norala have been reclassified as "areas of concern" due to relatively stable security condition in the areas since the start of election campaign last March 30.
The three towns were earlier placed under "areas of immediate concern" due to the noted presence of armed groups and past records of heated political contests in these areas.
The Army's 27th Infantry Battalion also issued a report to the Provincial Peace and Order Council identifying barangays Cacub in Koronadal City, Ned in Lake Sebu, Upper Sepaka in Surallah, Basag and Maan in T'boli, and Lam-afus in Banga as potential election hotspots.
But lawyer Lilian Radam, provincial election supervisor, said the peace and order condition in the entire province has so far remained stable and no untoward incident related to the polls has been recorded in the area.
"I don't believe our politicians here are the type that would resort to violence just to win an election. So we're hoping that the province will remain peaceful until the last vote will be counted," said Provincial Election Supervisor Lilian Radam.
Radam said she is counting on the commitments made by local candidates during a candidates' forum in Koronadal City last Wednesday to ensure the conduct of honest and fair elections on May 14.
At least 43 candidates vying for various local elective posts signed the candidates' manifesto and covenant for peaceful elections.
The Comelec in Region 12 earlier recommended the deployment of additional troops in the three municipalities due to the reported surge of tension in the area as a result of heated election campaigning.
Lawyer Michael Abas, acting Comelec regional director, particularly expressed concern over the situation in T'boli, which has the most number of municipal level candidates.
Comelec records showed that at least six candidates are running for mayor, four for vice mayor, and 26 for the eight municipal council seats. (Allen V. Estabillo)
