Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 25) — Nine mayors of Negros Oriental urged the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to postpone the province’s Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections because of a “lingering atmosphere of terror” in the aftermath of the brutal murder of former governor Roel Degamo.
The joint statement released on Sunday was signed by the governor’s widow, Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo, along with mayors of Dauin, San Jose, Dumaguete, Bindoy, Siaton, Ayungon, Guihulngan, and Tayasan.
The mayors said the murder of Degamo and nine others in broad daylight inside his Pamplona home raised “significant” concerns about peace and security in the province.
“Many other killings and harassments have occurred in the past, with most of the perpetrators still at large,” the statement read. “The alleged mastermind’s political machinery remains intact, creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation in our communities.”
Suspended Negros Oriental 3rd District representative Arnie Teves has been tagged as the alleged mastermind behind Degamo’s killing, while his family was also accused of various illegal activities in the province, from owning a private army to controlling operations of a small town lottery and e-sabong.
The mayors also cited an “atmosphere of terror” lingering in the province for over a decade from prior harassment, killings, and acts of intimidation that have instilled “deep-rooted fear” among voters in Negros Oriental.
They said such fear made voters “hesitant to stand against the powerful political machinery and the accompanying harassment tactics.”
According to the local chief executives, deferring the polls for one month is necessary to address the peace and security concerns that have beset the province, and allow “strategic coordination” among Comelec and law enforcement agencies to strengthen security measures.
“Postponing the elections provides the necessary time and space to establish a foundation of trust and security, paving the way for a more genuine and meaningful democratic experience in Negros Oriental,” they said.
This year’s election period for barangay and youth council officials is set to begin on Aug. 28, with election day slated for Oct. 30.
The Comelec earlier said a “proper hearing” on the elections’ postponement in the province will be conducted in September following Senator Francis Tolentino’s proposal to defer the polls due to political violence.
