Comelec seeks Army assistance in Antique
Remaining days of the campaign period up to Monday's elections are feared to put locals and candidates in the Province of Antique in potential danger with security possibly compromised.
As such, augmentation of soldiers from the Philippine Army has been officially sought by no less than the Provincial Election Supervisor of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) here.
Lawyer Gil Barcenas in an interview over Bombo Radyo said that the spate of recent election-related violence in at least three Antique towns raised the concern and made him decide to push for Army assistance.
Expected to provide back-up to the province's police force are some 300 Philippine Army soldiers tasked primarily to avert any more incidents similar to what simultaneously occurred in the towns of Laua-an, Barbaza and Belison.
Officially recorded as election-related violence was the shooting incident that victimized a supporter of one candidate in Laua-an. Also responded to by authorities was the strafing incident in Barbasa and another strafing incident on the house of a mayoralty candidate in Belison.
Laua-an has since been included in the region's list of 79 towns considered Comelec Areas of Concern.
With the last stretch of the campaign period down to three days, Barcenas felt it best to have more uniformed personnel in Antique particularly since the battle has since intensified with string of disqualification cases filed.
A three-cornered gubernatorial fight placed three of Antique's key figures back in the limelight. Reelectionist Governor Salvacion "Sally" Zaldivar-Perez filed her candidacy under the Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC), while her opponents, Arturo Pacificador wrote Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (KBL) as party affiliation and comebacking governor Jovito Plameras Jr. as the ruling administration's bet.
The congressional fight remains hotly contested as well with four contenders including reelectionist Congressman Exequiel "Boy Ex" Javier. Other contenders are retired Police General Robert "General Bebot" Delfin, Narzal "Dodong" Mallares and Florante "Jun" Villaflor Jr., independent candidate.
Comelec Regional Director Renato Magbutay is meeting top officials of the Philippine National Police (PNP) today to discuss Monday's final security plans. Among the matters to be taken up is the Antique scenario and corresponding Comelec-PNP action.
Meantime, decision is also expected on the request of reelectionist Janiuay Mayor Bienvinido "Dr. Ben" Margarico relative to the transfer of venue on the counting of election returns in 13 barangays here.
Magbutay in an interview yesterday told The News Today (TNT) that regional Comelec's recommendation on said issue has been made. Pending Comelec Central Office's approval though, Magbutay begged off to disclose specifics.
To recall, lawyer Tomas Valera, Comelec Assistant Regional Director led the public consultation in Janiuay and validation on Margarico's request.
Transfer of venue as sought was made due to reported infiltration of communist terrorists New People's Army (NPA) in said villages. Despite heightened police presence here, Margarico felt the need to seek for transfer of the counting if only to avert any potential violence and danger to the election officials.