Updated (4:58 p.m.)
MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has placed the municipality of Moises Padilla in Negros Occidental under Comelec control due to “intense political rivalry.”
LOOK. Moises Padilla in Negros Occidental is now under Comelec Control following a spate of violence in the town* @inquirerdotnet @inquirervisayas pic.twitter.com/lvHU2GuoYT
— Carla P. Gomez (@carlapgomezINQ) May 6, 2019
In an advanced copy of the resolution read by Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez on Monday, the poll body cited the “intense political rivalry” in the municipality as the reason for placing it under Comelec control.
The resolution said that last February 14, 32 municipalities of Negros Occidental have been recommended to be categorized as “red” following the number of violent incidents believed to be politcally motivated as well as the presence of armed groups.
Last March 31, some 100 suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) also killed incumbent councilor Jolomar Hilario.
Hilario was reportedly sleeping inside his house when armed men barged in and shot him dead around 6 a.m. According to the police report, the armed men arrived on board a truck and identified themselves as members of the NPA.
READ: Municipal councilor shot dead in Negros Occidental town
A day after the killing of Hilario, the army confiscated war materials from NPAs after an encounter. The resolution also noted that the convoy of Moises Padilla Vice Mayor Ella Garcia-Yulo was ambushed by some 30 men last April 25.
The incident resulted in the death of Garcia-Yulo’s brother and nephew.
READ: Negros Occidental town councilor, uncle ambushed on campaign trail
“These events clearly and convincingly show that they fall squarely under the parameter set under Section 3 of Resolution 10481 for an area to be declared under Comelec control,” Jimenez said.
According to the resolution, the move was deemed urgent and necessary. Currently, three areas in the country have been placed under Comelec control.
Daraga, Albay and the City of Cotabato were placed under Comelec control last January 15 due to political violence in their respective areas. The poll body will have full control of police and military units in these areas. /ee
READ: Cotabato City and Daraga, Albay placed under Comelec control