BACOLOD City – As the Oct. 30 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections approach, the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) reports no recorded election-related incidents in the province.
Police Captain Judesses Catalogo, spokesperson for the NOCPPO, said yesterday the reason for the peaceful atmosphere might be the hesitation of rival political groups to cause disturbances, given the stringent security measures in place, including checkpoints throughout the province.
The police intelligence units have ramped up their surveillance, particularly in villages known for the presence of communist insurgents, added Catalogo.
Moreover, NOCPPO confirmed that they haven’t received any complaints from candidates concerning insurgent extortion activities, including demands for a “permit to campaign.”
Catalogo urged Negrenses to continue their cooperation with law enforcement to ensure a smooth and peaceful barangay and SK election process.
The Commission on Elections previously identified 51 out of 662 barangays in Negros Occidental as “areas of concern.” (Watchmen Daily Journal)/PN
