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Bacolod City, Philippines Thursday, May 31, 2012
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Army sees no NPA disruption
BY GILBERT BAYORAN

Two days before the June 2 special election in the 5th district of Negros Occidental, there is no indication that the New People’s Army may disrupt it, Col. Oscar Lactao, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said yesterday.

Lactao, however, also said they are not taking chances, as he has already deployed Army soldiers, especially in the hinterland areas, to ensure the conduct of a peaceful and orderly Saturday election in the district, which is composed of Himamaylan City, Binalbagan, Hinigaran, Moises Padilla, La Castellana and Isabela.

Military records show that in previous elections, the NPA had demanded campaign fees from candidates, who tried to enter their so-called controlled areas in Negros.

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

Lactao said he foresees that the special election will be peaceful, noting that the NPA had been silent on the 5th district election.

Congressional candidates Alejandro Mirasol and Emilio Yulo III signed a peace covenant early this week, that imposes a voluntary obligation on them to obey Comelec rules and regulations, governing the conduct of June 2 special elections.

The two candidates pledged to renounce the use of threats, violence, force, intimidation, partisan or private armed groups and other illegal means in furtherance of their political interest, and discuss only legitimate political issues and lay down their platforms of government in a free and friendly manner.

Senior Supt. Milko Lirazan, 6th Regional Public Safety Battalion director, said 50 police troopers presently assigned in Murcia, are now on standby, for deployment to the 5th district, if needed.

The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office also dispatched 60 policemen to the 5th district.

Lactao said Comelec chairman Sixto Brillantes and Comelec Commissioner Armando Velasco are expected to arrive tomorrow in Negros Occidental, to inspect the polling places in the 5th district. * GPB

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