• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Commission on Elections in Negros Island Region clarified yesterday that as far as the 2025 polls are concerned, Negros Oriental has not been placed under Comelec control.
Only the Commission on Elections en banc can declare it under Comelec control, based on the recommendation of the Regional Joint Security Control Center (RJSCC), said Atty. Lionel Marco Castillano, Comelec regional director for NIR.
The declaration also depends on the prevailing peace and order situation, Castillano said, adding that they have not monitored the existence of private armed groups in Negros Oriental, as of this time.
He added that the RJSCC cannot be convened yet, since the Philippine National Police has yet to establish its Police Regional Office in Negros Island Region, which is composed of the provinces of Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor.
The RJSCC would be composed of the regional directors of PNP, Comelec, as well as highest ranking officers of the Philippine Army and Coast Guard in the new Visayas region.
There are six candidates vying for the Negros Oriental gubernatorial post in the elections next year, among them incumbent Governor Manuel Sagarbarria, former Gov. Henry Pryde Teves, and four independent bets.
Pryde served as governor for three months before he was ousted following a Comelec ruling that declared then Gov. Roel Degamo as the rightful winner in the 2022 general elections.
Pryde’s brother, expelled Negros Oriental 3rd district Rep. Arnolfo Teves, is wanted for the assassination of then governor Roel Degamo and nine other people last year.
During the 2023 barangay elections, Negros Oriental was placed under Comelec control, although no poll-related violence was reported during the election period.
Pamplona Mayor Janice Vallega Degamo, widow of slain Gov. Degamo, filed her Certificate of Candidacy for congressman of the 3rd district of Negros Occidental.The two other congressional candidates are Janice Teves Gaston, aunt of siblings Pryde and Arnolfo, and retired Navy Capt. Rey Lopez.
“It would show that democracy is alive in Negros Oriental. If you look at it, candidates are no longer afraid to file their candidacies,” Castillano said.
As Negros Oriental was placed under Comelec control during the 2023 barangay elections, Castillano said it is automatic that the province is under the Comelec watch list, based on the guidelines of the Commission on Elections.
Asked for his assessment on the recently concluded COC filing in the three NIR provinces, Castilllano said it was successful and generally peaceful.*
