Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 15) — Crime incidents in Negros Oriental have declined according to law enforcers amid calls to postpone the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections in the province to November due to political killings, the Commission on Elections said Tuesday.
\”Sa kasalukuyan…ang report pa sa atin ng provincial commander, bumababa ang krimen doon sa Negros. In fact, yung mismong armed groups, na-neutralize na. Iisa na nga lang, na-neutralize pa…Ibig sabihin bumababa after mangyari ‘yung insidente nung March,\” said Comelec Chairperson George Garcia in a press briefing.
[Translation: As of now…the provincial commander reported to us that crime incidents have declined in Negros. In fact, the armed groups there were already neutralized. The lone group was already neutralized…It means that the incidents have declined after what happened in March.]
The BSK elections are scheduled on Oct. 30, but Senator Francis Tolentino earlier proposed to postpone the polls in the province due to cases of political violence.
Nine mayors in the province have also sought the postponement of the BSK elections because of a \”lingering atmosphere of terror\” in the aftermath of the murder of Governor Roel Degamo last March.
Garcia reiterated that the decision on whether to postpone the elections or not in Negros Oriental will be out by September.
\”May impossibility ba of holding the election? Ayun ‘yung pinaka-qualifier…May violence nga, possible naman ang election. May terrorism, okay naman pala mag-election,\” he said.
[Translation: Is it impossible to hold an election? That’s the qualifier…There might be violence, but it is still possible to hold an election. There could be ongoing acts of terrorism, but an election could still be possibly held.]
The Comelec earlier held public consultations with various cities and towns in Negros Oriental.
The laws on election and setting the BSK poll date allow the Comelec to postpone elections not later than 30 days after the cessation of the cause for such postponement, and in all cases not later than 90 days after the original date of elections.
The grounds for postponement of elections include rebellion, insurrection, violence, terrorism, loss or destruction of election paraphernalia or records, force majeure, and other similar causes of such a nature that prevent the holding of a free and orderly election.
