55 Negros Occidental barangays eyed as areas of concern

MANILA, Philippines — Citing sightings of New People’s Army (NPA) rebels, the Provincial Joint Security Coordinating Center (PJSCC) said 55 barangays in Negros Occidental should be categorized as areas of concern in the forthcoming barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.

Brig. Gen. Orlando Edralin, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said the PJSCC is leaving the matter to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

He said the 55 barangays had earlier been cleared of communist rebels, but there were renewed attempts by remnants of the NPA to recover their lost territories.

He stressed the need for law enforcers and the public to remain vigilant against rebel infiltration, especially in communities that have been declared NPA-free.

The Comelec said areas of election concern or election hotspots are places where there is potential violence or tension among local candidates, presence of armed rebels and a history of election-related violence.

Edralin said NPA rebels in Negros make their presence felt by collecting so-called permit to campaign or win fees.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police deployed 150 PNP personnel in Malabang, Lanao del Sur following violence that marred the filing of certificates of candidacy.

PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said the additional personnel would assist the local police in maintaining peace and order in the town.

The PNP said it has recorded eight election-related incidents, including shootings, stabbings and grave threat, in Bicol, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga peninsula and Soccsksargen.

Loose guns surrendered

In North Cotabato, barangay captains in 15 villages turned over on Sunday 27 loose firearms surrendered by residents.

The unlicensed guns were surrendered under the government’s Balik Baril program, Maj. Andrew Linao, spokesman for the Western Mindanao Command, said.

He said the guns came from 13 special geographic area barangays in Midsalip town and two in Aleosan.

The military is hoping the turnover of the loose firearms would prevent election-related violent incidents in the barangays.