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.

Peace advocates in Negros yesterday aired apprehensions over the utilization of private armed groups, including the Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade, which were reported to have been used by some politicians in previous elections.

Representatives of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process, peace advocates, including Maria Lourdes Tison, a member of the government panel talking peace with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, and military officials, met yesterday in Bacolod City, to address complex challenges in the peace process with RPM-P-RPA-ABB.

Mabanta said the Philippine Army and the National Police in Negros Occidental is determined to ensure that the special election will be honest, peaceful and orderly, and free from any intimidation and violence.

The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office and the 303rd Infantry Brigade have already deployed about 1,000 military and police personnel in the 5th district, although there is no indication that the New People’s Army may disrupt the June 2 special elections.

Binalbagan Mayor Alejandro Mirasol and his nephew, Board Member Emilio Yulo III, are vying for the 5th district congressional seat, that was declared vacant by Congress after the death of Rep. Ignacio “Iggy” Arroyo.

Mabanta said the Army wishes to see the closure of the peace process with the RPM-P-RPA-ABB, and assured their full support, and advocacy to participate all peace-building efforts in the country.

Col. Oscar Lactao, 303rd IB commander, said they will increase their visibility operations in areas where possible animosities are foreseen between the supporters of the two congressional candidates.

Six of the 117 barangays in the 5th district have been classified by the military and police as rebel-influenced areas.*GPB

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