Comelec says Southern Negros ‘under control’

The Commission on Election said the peace and order situation in southern Negros Occidental is under control.

Atty. Roberto Salazar, provincial election supervisor, made the assurance today on the heels of the consecutive encounters between government troops and the New People’s Army rebels.

Salazar said that he has coordinated with the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to assess the situation in the area.

The police and the military has assured the COMELEC that the situation in southern Negros Occidental is “under control” especially in Himamaylan City.

On April 1, an encounter between government forces and the NPA occured in Sitio Kulihaw, Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City where a couple identified as Elbert Nicolas Quillano alias Carding the finance officer of SDG Platoon and Jessa luiso Quillano alias Clean, a medical officer, were arrested.

Himamaylan City is categorized by the COMELEC as under Orange Category or Areas of Immediate Concern because of the threat of the NPA rebels.

Also classified as Orange Category are the cities of Kabankalan, Silay, Sipalay and Victorias and the municipalities of Binalbagan, Cauayan, Manapla, Hinobaan, Ilog, Isabela, La Castellana and Toboso.* (EYA)