BACOLOD CITY – The Army 303rd Infantry Brigade (IBde) has identified 55 barangays in Negros Occidental as possible Election Watchlist Areas (EWAs) in the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) on October 30.
However, Brig. Gen. Orlando Edralin, 303rd IBde commander, said on Tuesday, September 5, that their recommendation is subject to the approval of the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
BRIG. Gen. Orlando Edralin, commander of the Army 303rd Infantry Brigade (IBde), and Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson during the brigade’s founding anniversary at the 303rd IBde headquarters in Murcia, Negros Occidental last month. (Photo courtesy of 303rd IBde)
Edralin said that joint Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), police, intelligence community, and the Comelec made an assessment on these barangays.
He said that these barangays are fewer than the 101 EWAs identified in the last BSKE.
The province has 662 barangays, including the capital city of Bacolod.
The parameters on the declaration of an election hotspot include heightened political rivalry, the presence or threat of the New People’s Army (NPA), and availability or existence of private armed groups (PAGs), Edralin said.
He said that they have not monitored any persons identified as hitmen entering the province, as they are closely monitoring it.
“Kung may mangyayari man, it is very unfortunate. Kasi, we are closely coordinating with the police para hindi magkaroon ng ganoong criminal incidents (If something happens, it is very unfortunate because we are closely coordinating with the police to prevent such criminal incidents),” he added.
Edralin reiterated his call to barangay officials and candidates to refrain from supporting the NPA, especially this election period.
Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson recently reminded the candidates to never forget that the purpose of their candidacy is public service.
“You must dispense with any motivations that are not aligned with the resolve to make a difference in the lives of your constituents,” Lacson said, adding that hard work and commitment to service must be the compass guiding their leadership and service to their constituents.