Despite shooting incident in Albuera
TACLOBAN CITY – The military in Eastern Visayas has assured the public of its readiness to ensure a peaceful and orderly election for the upcoming midterm elections next month.
Brigadier General Noel Vestuir, the commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade, which oversees Leyte, Biliran, Southern Leyte, Eastern Samar, and parts of Samar, made the assurance following the Commission on Elections (Comelec) placing certain towns in Leyte and Samar under heightened watch due to security concerns.
On April 26, a final coordination conference was held by the Comelec, the military, and the Philippine National Police in Leyte in preparation for the May 12 midterm elections.
The towns of Palompon, Villaba, Hilongos, Albuera, and Tabango in Leyte, as well as Basey and Pinabacdao in Samar, have been classified under the “yellow” category, while Leyte, Calubian, San Isidro, Tabango, and Baybay City in Leyte were placed under the “orange” category.
Of particular concern is the town of Albuera, which recently experienced a shooting incident involving mayoralty candidate Rolan “Kerwin” Espinosa.
Espinosa has claimed that the attack on his life was politically motivated and has filed frustrated murder charges against seven police personnel from Ormoc City, alleging their involvement in the incident.
Despite this, Albuera was not placed under the “red” category, which is designated for areas with intense political rivalry and the presence of armed groups.
The “yellow” category indicates a history of suspected election-related incidents from past elections and intense partisan political rivalry, but without local terror group involvement. The “orange” category points to areas with significant armed threats, particularly from communist insurgents and other rebel factions.
Brigadier General Vestuir assured that the military and police are working closely to monitor and prevent any forms of violence or intimidation, especially from communist insurgents or armed partisan groups.
In addition, BGen. Vestuir urged the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity, particularly incidents of extortion or illegal campaigning tactics by armed groups. He emphasized the importance of cooperation in maintaining the integrity of the election process.
“If you notice any individuals extorting or forcing support for candidates endorsed by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army, please report immediately to the nearest Army camp or police station to prevent such illegal activities,” he stated. “Let us help one another to ensure a safe, credible, honest, and clean election.”
ROEL T. AMAZONA
