Police, Abra politicians sign accord for peaceful 2010 polls

MANILA, Philippines - Efforts to transform Abra from elections “hot spots” into one of the most peaceful in the coming May elections got underway Thursday with the signing by top police and local government officials of a manifesto of support in an honest, orderly and peaceful elections (Hope).

Director Eugene Martin, of the directorate for intelligence of the Philippine National Police urged local politicians to forget the past and work hand-in-hand to achieve the historic feat.

“There should be no misunderstanding among us and let us work together so the province of Abra would not be tagged anymore as “hot spot” but the most peaceful province in the country in the coming May elections,” said Martin, who represented PNP chief Director General Jesus Verzosa who is busy attending to the Maguindanao massacre case in Manila.

In the last election, at least 27 people were killed in a series of ambuscades and assassinations.

The signing of the manifesto of support or Hope was done at Camp Villamor in the capital municipality of Bangued by Martin, Cordillera police director Chief Superintendent Orlando Pestaño, Abra Gov. Eustaquio Bersamin, Abra Rep. Cecille Luna and 23 of the 27 town mayors of the province.

Conspicuously absent was Bangued Mayor Dominic Valera and Tineg town Mayor Edwin Crisologo.

There are reports that Valera is planning to field her wife against Luna while the latter plans to field his son against the former.

According to Martin, it was agreed in the last meeting at the Baguio City and Country Club that incumbent officials would not field candidates against each other.

Further, Senior Superintendent Charlo Collado, Abra police provincial director has recovered at least 79 loose firearms during its strict implementation of the Task Force Kontra-Boga.

Collado said local officials also gave their full support on the amnesty program of Verzosa by registering their loose firearms. “We are on the right track on our effort to make Abra one of the most peaceful provinces in the country in the coming elections,” said Collado, as he reported that no politicians in Abra have private armies.

Additionally, the way the Cordillera police see it, any indication that Abra province will be placed under Comelec control is absent yet.

At least as of now, “there is no indication at all,” assured Pestaño.

Signatories

This, as authorities are working hard to thwart any resurgence of violence in the intense political rivalry-ridden northern province, once touted as “Killing Fields” in the north.

On Thursday, at least 90 Abra politicians swore before themselves for a clean and honest elections and never to use “guns, goons and gold” again.

Most of the signatories were from the ruling Lakas-Kampi coalition. Those from the other side of the political fence were absent. “I was not invited,” said former Bucloc town mayor Mailed Molina, who instead chided how local politics in Abra is being “manipulated” by outsiders with selfish interests.

Although not clearly pointing fingers at particular personalities behind the “manipulation” in the province, Molina who is gunning for congressman hinted that violence in the province will not stop until such “hands” flee.

But Pestaño insists the manifesto for a clean and honest election “will work this time.”

Abra’s congressional race is heading toward a three-cornered fight between two women and a “not-so gentleman”.

Incumbent Rep. Luna (Lakas-Kampi-CMD), former congresswoman, governor and Bangued Mayor Ma. Cita Claustro-Valera (NP) and the “always” controversial former mayor Molina.

The administration’s bet – Luna, a mayor of Lagayan town for several terms, filed her COC at the local Comelec here Thursday afternoon together with her partymates and Bersamin who are both seeking their second terms.