Abra seeks more cops, soldiers for BSKE

BANGUED, Abra, Philippines — The provincial government of Abra wants more police officers and soldiers deployed in the area to thwart any possible increase in election-related violence as the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) draw near.

Gov. Dominic Valera and Vice Gov. Ma. Jocelyn Valera-Bernos made the call on Saturday amid the rising tension in the province following an encounter between policemen and an armed group in Bucay town.

Valera advised the people to remain calm as he condemned what he described as “terrorism” perpetrated by unidentified armed men.

The armed men reportedly knocked on houses to persuade residents to vote for their candidates.

Valera said no such incident occurred during the past two elections.

He urged the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces to deploy more policemen and soldiers to secure Abra, saying the people are looking forward to a free, orderly, honest, peaceful and credible BSKE.

Valera expressed alarm over reports that 122 BSKE candidates in the province were forced to withdraw because of the harassment while members of the board of election inspectors refused to participate in the elections. At least 44 teachers reportedly begged off from serving in the BSKE this Oct. 30.

Abra provincial election supervisor Richelle Belmes said the situation is still generally peaceful despite the reported intimidations in Bangued, Bucay and Pilar.