• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The police and military have deployed their respective Quick Reaction Forces (QRF) in strategic areas of Negros Oriental, especially in the third district of the province, to be able to immediately address any security issues that may arise during the May 12 elections, PBrig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, regional director of Police Regional Office Negros Island Region, disclosed on Friday.
Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo, the widow of slain Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo, is contesting the congressional seat of the province 3rd district against Janice Teves Gaston, aunt of gubernatorial candidate Henry Pryde Teves and ousted Rep. Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves.
The Teves siblings were both linked to the assassination of then Governor Degamo in 2023.
Asked if there is a need to concentrate more police forces in the 3rd district, Ibay said there is no need, based on recent developments.
Negros Oriental, which was placed under Comelec control in previous elections, has been considered by the Comelec as an area of concern for the May 12 polls.
A total of 310 personnel of the Bacolod City Police Office have been dispatched to Negros Oriental for election duties.
Ibay said they have not yet monitored any private armed groups who may be utilized by unscrupulous candidates for election related purposes.
With the establishment of Regional Election Monitoring Action Center (REMAC), Ibay said “We are confident that we will be able to address any problem that may arise.”
The Army’s 302nd and 303rd Infantry Brigades are utilizing 2,521 soldiers for election duties in Negros Island.*
