THE active campaign for local candidates will officially start on March 25, 2022 (Friday) based on the Commission on Elections (Comelec) pronouncement earlier.
But the fact remains that even before the start of the official campaign, local bets are already in the campaign spree, ignoring the ban, aside from illegally placing their campaign materials, a local resident who asked not to be named, said.
As this developed, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) recently in coordination with police and other sectors has launched the “KASIMBAYANAN” (Kapolisan, Simbahan at Pamayanan) for S.A.F.E (Safe, Accurate and Free/Fair Elections) National and Local Elections.
In his speech, police provincial director col Osmundo Salibo pointed out to his men in uniform that they should be exercise non-partisan in the conduct of the electoral exercise.
For his part, Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Eddie Aba said that the agencies being deputized during election period makes the Comelec’s task light and easy even as he thanked every agency participating in the conduct of the coming election.
Also in attendance are 47th Infantry Battalion thru LtCol. Allyson Depayso, Philippine Coast Guard, religious group, St. Joseph Cathedral Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Herbert Dalmao representing Bishop Abet Uy, DILG Provincial Director Jerome Gonzales, Pastor Jonathan Aparece, Imam Datu Maning, Rey Collin Jubac of the business sector.
Each of the agency head present during the launching inked the Commitment for S.A.F.E., after which, each tossed a pigeon to symbolize peace and freedom.
Meanwhile, police said that the potential hot spots in the coming election on May 9, 2022 are being identified, according to Bohol Provincial Police Office (BPPO) thru provincial director Col. Salibo in recent conversation with media at Camp Dagohoy.
But Salibo hastened to say that this is nothing to worry about as this may change from time to time. He assured that his men (in uniform) are always ready in any eventuality.
As always, the police and other law enforcement agencies are being tapped by Comelec to carry out its mandate during the campaign period to make the election day peaceful and clean.
Identified under the Yellow category are the towns of Antequera, Baclayon, Calape, Catigbian, Bien-Unido, Buenavista, Danao, Sagbayan, San Isidro, San Miguel, Talibon, Trinidad, Ubay, Carmen, Garcia-Hernandez, Guindulman, Mabini and Pilar.
Under Orange category are the municipalities of Balilihan, Tubigon, Clarin, Inabanga, Batuan, Bilar, and Sevilla.
Under the green category are Tagbilaran City, Alicia, Albur, Anda, Dagohoy, Candijay, Getafe, Corella, Cortes, Dauis, Loon, Maribojoc, Panglao, Sikatuna, Pres. Carlos P. Garcia, Dimiao, Duero, Jagna, Lila, Loay, Loboc, Sierra-Bullones and Valencia.
There is no town fall under the so-called Red category, according to Camp Dagohoy.
Yellow or election areas of concern (EAOC) refers to occurrence of suspected election related incident in last two elections; existence of intense partisan rivalry; presence of armed groups; and the area is previously under Comelec control.
Orange of election areas of immediate concern (EAIC) when there’s a combination of two (2) or more of yellow category; there’s serious armed threats posed by the New People’s Army (NPA), Bangsa Islamic Freedom Fighters, (BIFF), Abu Sayyaf Groupr (ASG), Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), and other analogous groups.
Category Red or election areas of grave concern (EAGC) refers to existence of one or more (situation) under Yellow with armed threats under orange. The Comelec may direct the police and army as the need arises and the reshuffling of police personnel.
Green or election areas of generally peaceful (EAGP) refers to areas that are peaceful and orderly in the exercise of the elections. (rvo)
