4 Abra towns eyed as poll hotspots

VIGAN CITY, Philippines — Four municipalities in Abra are being considered by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) as “areas of concern” for the upcoming 2025 elections due to previous shooting incidents and intense political rivalries. 

Nicasio Jacob, Abra provincial election supervisor, said the Comelec is coordinating with the police and military to secure the towns of Pilar, Bangued, Bucay and Pidigan for the midterm polls.

Jacob cited in an interview with Bombo Radyo a string of incidents, including the shooting of vice mayor Noel Bisares on Sept. 12 in Pidigan, former town councilor Gregorio Castillo on Sept. 1 in Dolores and former barangay chairman Marcelino Banayos on Aug. 29 in Bangued.

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expressed its “grave concern” over the shooting incidents involving local officials in Abra. 

“The CHR strongly condemns these violent acts and calls for immediate action from the provincial authorities to resolve these cases. We urge the swift apprehension of the perpetrators and justice for the victims. It is crucial that such incidents are dealt with urgency to prevent further escalation,” the CHR said in a statement.