Puno gives new task to ex-TF Abra head

Three days after his relief as Task Force Abra commander, Chief Superintendent Eugene Martin has found a new task – as area supervisor for the provinces of Abra and Apayao in the May elections.

In a directive, Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno said Task Force Abra and local police and Army units have to directly report to Martin to ensure honest, orderly and peaceful elections (HOPE) in the two northern provinces.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has placed Abra under its operational control because of the unstable peace and order situation in the province following the Dec. 16 killing of Abra Rep. Luis Bersamin in Quezon City.

Bersamin’s younger brother, Eustaquio, is running for governor against Bangued Mayor Macita Valera, wife of incumbent Gov. Vicente Valera.

Gov. Valera has been tagged in the killing but has denied the allegation. He is seeking the seat vacated by the slain congressman.

Because of the killing, Philippine National Police chief Director General Oscar Calderon created Task Force Abra and named Martin as its commander to prevent retaliatory killings in the province.

For an unknown reason, Commission on Elections chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr. ordered Martin’s relief last Thursday and replaced him with Senior Superintendent Villamor Bumanlag.

Martin’s relief drew criticisms from leaders of the church, non-governmental organizations and the civil society in Abra.

"Why change it if it ain’t broke?" they asked.

Puno summoned Martin yesterday and designated him as deputy commander of Task Force HOPE for Abra and Apayao.

Puno directed Martin to intensify the campaign against loose firearms and prevent vote-buying and electioneering by police and government officials in the two provinces.