Vote-buying reported
on eve of polls today
BY CARLA GOMEZ

Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. yesterday called on Negrenses to keep the barangay elections today peaceful, credible and friendly.

“Let us avoid making the elections divisive, because, after the exercise, we will all have to work together for the peace and progress of the country,” the governor said.

Provincial Elections Supervisor Jessie Suarez said the Comelec is all set for the polls and they are urging voters to go out and vote early. Negros Occidental has 1.6 million voters, he said.

Voting will start at 7 a.m. and end at 3 p.m. today, he said.

Police, Army on
alert status
BY SHIELA GELERA

It's all systems go for the Philippine Army and National Police in ensuring that barangay elections in Negros Occidental today will be peaceful, orderly and credible.

Col. Jon Aying, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said he is mobilizing about 3,000 soldiers and government militiamen, , on top of the 1,500 policemen stationed in Negros Occidental to secure the polls.

Of the 662 barangays in Negros Occidental, 127 have been classified as election areas of concern by the police and military.

No brownouts assured
BY ADRIAN NEMES III

Officials of the three electric firms in Negros Occidental yesterday assured that there will be no power interruptions today, as Negrenses cast their votes in the barangay elections.

Arnel Lapore, president of the Central Negros Electric Cooperative said they have stand-by crews in the polling precincts who could respond immediately in case of electricity trips off.

Lapore said they had earlier formed a task force that inspected all the schools in their service areas that will be utilized as polling precincts, and ensured that the electrical connections are serviceable.