Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 24) — The Philippine National Police (PNP) said it is currently monitoring Abra’s massive withdrawal of candidacies for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) set for Oct. 30.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) earlier confirmed that at least 122 candidates in the province of Abra have backed out from the barangay polls.
It added that 14 barangays in the province are under the yellow category for areas of concern.
READ: Comelec: Over 100 candidates in Abra back out ahead of BSKE
In a press briefing on Monday, PNP chief PGen Benjamin Acorda said they are in close coordination with the police regional director in Cordillera regarding the situation.
\”They are closely monitoring the developments, especially the issues under withdrawal of candidacy of some of the aspirants for this BSKE,\” he said.
Asked about the reason for their withdrawal, the police chief said some elders in Abra had initiated negotiations with aspirants after filing their candidacies as part of their culture.
\”There were some negotiations. They came up with some resolutions or decisions to avoid any further confrontations among the relatives or members of the residence in the locality,\” he said.
Acorda added that there were also some recorded threats against candidates that resulted in their withdrawal.
\”Regardless of the tradition in certain areas, what must be upheld is the rule of law and of course democracy,\” he asserted.
Together with other government agencies, Acorda said they will ensure aspirants are given a choice to run without intimidation or threat.
