Malabuyoc in, Compostela out of EWAS

CEBU, Philippines - The Commission on Elections has put Malabuyoc under its Election Watchlist Areas (EWAS) because of intense political rivalry.

The poll body however has removed from the list the town of Compostela.

The Comelec and the Philippine National Police have placed three component cities and 15 towns in Cebu under watchlist areas in the coming elections because of either intense political rivalries or history of political violence.

Aside from Malabuyoc, the other towns placed under watchlist are Daanbantayan, Dumanjug, Tuburan, Sogod, Medellin, San Remigio, Tabogon, Tabuelan, Consolacion, San Fernando, Barili, Ronda, Ginatilan and Pinamungajan.

The cities of Danao, Bogo and Toledo are also on the list. Cebu Provincial Police Office director Patrocinio Comendador said that Malabuyoc was included on the list because of intense rivalry between  mayoralty candidates Lito Narciso Creus of One Cebu Party and Erlinda Piedad of the Liberal Party.

Supporters of both candidates reportedly grabbed 18 ballot boxes last week prompting the police to respond.

Insp. Cecilio Pañares, Malabuyoc police chief, told The FREEMAN that Comelec Supervisor Gwenitta Carmela Manzon wanted all ballot boxes to be safely kept at the treasurer’s office but some supporters did not agree to it.

“Ilang gusto ipabutang sa open area aron makita sa tanan kay magsulod-gawas ang mga tao sa munisipyo (They want the ballot boxes to be placed in an open area where everybody can see),” Pañares said.

The ballot boxes as well as the Precinct Count Optical Machines are now under police watch at the treasurer’s office.

On the other hand Comendador said that Compostela was dropped from the EWAS because based on their assessment the rivalry between incumbent Mayor Joel Quiño of the Barug Alang sa Kauswagan ug Demokrasya (BAKUD) and Ritchie Wagas of the One Cebu party is no longer that intense.

Comendador explained that the EWAS list can change from time to time depending on their assessment of the situation.

Meanwhile, almost 3,500 personnel of the PNP and AFP will be deployed in Cebu province to secure the incoming elections.— (FREEMAN)