Comelec bares 4 barangays in Cebu as election hotspots

CEBU, Philippines – The Commission on Elections has identified at least four election hotspots in Cebu while the police have increased the number of barangays considered to be on the election watchlist for possible violence.

Comelec provincial supervisor Lionel Marco Castillano has named Barangays Malingin, Banban and Kayang of Bogo City and Baterya of Daanbantayan as hotspots for the October 25 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections because of intense political rivalry and previous election related violence.

Castillano however said the list is not yet final as they are still meeting with the police and the military on Monday to finalize it.

"The list is not yet final but so far okay ra man way complaints nga naabot," he said.

Regional Intelligence Division chief Patrocinio Comendador also said yesterday that the number of barangays in Central Visayas under watchlist have increased from 76 to 100, including the four barangays that Castillano identified as hotspots.

As the campaign period starts yesterday, Castillano reminded the candidates to be vigilant where to place their campaign materials. He asked them to visit the Comelec offices to know the designated posters area.

"They need to visit the Comelec as to where to post their materials like sa poste, kahoy ug tulay, pwede sad sa houses but with permission sa owner," he said.

Castillano said the candidates should observe the prescribed sizes of campaign materials. According to him, campaign posters should not be more than 2x3 feet, 8.5x14 inches for leaflets and 3x8 feet for streamers.

Streamers should be used only at the rally sites. It should be posted five days before the rally and must be taken out immediately after the activity.

Meanwhile, a man was arrested in Consolacion Tuesday dawn for violation of the Comelec gun ban.

Herminio Pepito Jr., 23, resident of Barangay Tugbungan was arrested during a checkpoint conducted by the members of Consolacion police. - Ria Mae Y. Booc, Riz Joy J. Tumulak and Aldwin Gevera, USJR Masscom interns /FPL (FREEMAN)