Tuesday, February 06, 2007
14 problem spots in Cebu's polls
By Mia E. Abellana
CEBU CITY -- Of the identified 39 towns and cities in Central Visayas, the Province of Cebu has 14 possible areas of concern.
However, police and election officials made clear that this is just a tentative list, as they can only finalize it once all certificates of candidacy are filed.
Those running for senator have until February 12 to file their certificates of candidacy, while those seeking local elective posts, including members of the House of Representatives, have until March 29.
Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Resureccion Borra met with police officials in Western and Central Visayas at the Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 Monday to clarify issues on how they will perform their tasks on May 14.
"Up to this time, they have not identified any areas that should be placed under Comelec control," Borra told reporters after the conference.
Officials, though, identified 39 towns that they see as "possible problem areas" based on incidents that have happened in previous elections.
PRO 7 Director Silverio Alarcio Jr. said that the situation could still change as not all politicians have filed their certificates of candidacy.
For a town or city to be declared a hotspot or an area of concern, it should have strong presence insurgents that could affect the conduct of the elections; election-related violence in the past; or intense political rivalry among candidates.
If two of these criteria are present in a town or city, it will be declared an area of immediate concern.
Police have classified under category 1, or having previous incidents of election-related violence, 29 towns and cities in Central Visayas.
Under category 1, at least 10 are in Cebu, 10 in Bohol and nine are in Oriental Negros.
Under category 2, or having a strong rebel or New People's Army influence, police listed 10 towns: four in Cebu, four in Bohol and two in Oriental Negros.
In an earlier interview, Cebu Provincial Election Supervisor Edwin Cadungog said that the cities Lapu-Lapu and Toledo and the towns of Madridejos and Daanbantayan in the north are "possible" areas of concern this May 14 elections.
Fierce political rivalry exists in these cities and towns, Cadungog said.
Additional police forces are sent to hotspots in the run-up to the elections.
The entire membership of the House of Representatives, half of the 24 Senate seats and thousands of local elective posts, including for governors and mayors, are up for grabs this May.
Asked if the bloody clash with communist rebels and the Army Scout Rangers is enough for them to declare the town of Batuan, Bohol an area of concern, Borra said Bohol officials announced that the situation is under control already.
"At this point, things are silent in Bohol politically. We take into account political intrigues but we are not guided by that," Borra explained.
As for the transfer of police officers assigned in areas wherein their relatives are seeking office, Borra said the regional police chiefs and Comelec will make their recommendations.
A gun ban is also in effect since last January 15 when the election period started.
The Comelec has received about 17,000 applications for gun ban exemption and 6,000 have been approved, belonging mostly to police and military personnel while 700 to 1,000 applications were rejected.
Alarcio said Monday that the Comelec will sign a resolution exempting all policemen from the gun ban.
However, they will submit a list of their troops to the higher Comelec office for confirmation. (Sun.Star Cebu)
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Cebu. (February 6, 2007 issue)
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