Both sides see victory
in election tomorrow
BY CARLA GOMEZ

Both camps of the two candidates for congressman of the fifth district of Negros Occidental are predicting victory on Saturday.

At a grand rally in Himamaylan City yesterday afternoon Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Maranon Jr. said he sees a clear victory for BInalbagan Mayor Alejandro Mirasol.

On the other hand, Board Member Emilio Yulo III yesterday said he is confident he will win on Saturday.

The Commission on Elections yesterday said it will ensure that residents of the fifth district of Negros Occidental will be able to freely exercise their right to vote on Saturday.

COMELEC Regional Director Dennis Ausan gave the assurance amid reports of the alleged presence of road blocks and armed men in some areas that could hamper voting for the new congressman of the fifth district. The special election is being held to fill the seat left vacant with the death of Rep. Ignacio Arroyo Jr., who died in January.

Running for the post is Negros Occidental Board Member Emilio Yulo III, 48, of the Nacionalista Party and his uncle Binalbagan Mayor Alejandro Mirasol, 58, of the Liberal Party.

The commander of the Philippine Army in Negros and Panay island yesterday warned members of any armed group, including those talking peace with the government, not to meddle in the exercise of the special election in the 5th district of the province, and to refrain from resorting to other illegal activities.

The warning came from Gen. Jose Mabanta Jr., commanding general of the 3rd Infantry Division, as the 15-day campaign period for the June 2 special elections ended at midnight yesterday.

“Any armed group found carrying firearms will be arrested, in coordination with the Philippine National Police, and appropriate charges will be filed against them,” Mabanta said.