Monday, February 05, 2007
Police classify Tapaz as election area of concern
By Ruby P. Silubrico
THE Police Regional Office in Western Visayas has declared the town of Tapaz in Capiz as an election area of immediate concern.
The regional office, in consultation with the Commission on Elections (Comelec), finally determined Tapaz as area of immediate concern because of the political tension caused by the death of Vice Mayor Victor Gardose who was shot along with Anthony Gequillo and Leonardo Gemino.
Two persons, one of whom was identified as Noel Fuentespina of Oton, Iloilo, killed them last Dec. 30, 2006. He is a driver of Tapaz Board Member Pedro Exmundo.
However, Police Regional Director Wilfredo Dulay said this does not qualify as an election-related violent incident (ERVI).
Dulay explained that the ERVI refers to an event or happening, which could affect or disrupt the electoral proceedings in the area. It can be an event that creates political tension that could upset the electoral process, not only on the site of the incident but also in the surrounding areas on Election Day.
"The incident, to be considered as ERVI, must occur within the electoral period and can be classified as grave serious and less serious in nature. It also involves political personalities and their followers or supporters to be considered as such," Dulay said.
Incidents considered as grave serious in nature are murder, homicide, serious physical injuries, kidnapping or hostage taking, bombing, grenade throwing, snatching of ballot boxes and other election paraphernalia that are life threatening to victims, grave threats, intimidation and coercion with the use of firearms and explosives and destructive arson or structure or equipment.
Mauling, malicious mischief or destruction of campaign materials, grave threats, intimidation and coercion with the use of devices other than firearms and explosives and less serious physical injuries are considered as less grave incidents.
With this, Dulay has ordered all his men to submit immediate report on all ERVIs and reiterated to them to conduct non-stop checkpoints and frisking. He reminded them to do this in accordance with the law to avoid harassing people.
He further urged his men to intensify campaign against loose firearms and other deadly weapons to ensure honest, orderly, peaceful and credible elections on May 14, 2007.For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star General Santos. (February 5, 2007 issue)
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