Proclamation of winning BSKE candidate could be halted
By Nidz Godino
"Because many think Comelec cannot resolve all of it…don't worry, we will issue resolution suspending all proclamations of candidates with pending cases," Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Garcia said more government forces are being deployed to ensure peaceful and orderly barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) next week.
At least 715 personnel from Philippine National Police (PNP), 250 from Armed Forces of the Philippines, 115 from Philippine Coast Guard and 90 participants from Department of Education assembled for deployment during send-off and turnover rites at Camp Crame.
Contingents were sourced from all 17 regions in the country and will be part of government forces deployed for barangay polls next week.
During press briefing, PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. said police have categorized areas into four groups in terms of security risks for BSKE: red, orange, yellow and green.
At least 356 areas were put under red category, 1,323 were orange, 1,231 yellow and the remaining 39,114 barangays in green category.
Categorization is crucial element of their security assessment, Acorda said, noting PNP's assessment of situation "is favorable one." He said that it is considered "go-go" for PNP and other agencies under Comelec.
While Acorda expressed readiness and commitment to maintaining security of BSKE, he emphasized PNP and partner agencies are closely coordinating to ensure safety of teachers involved in elections, addressing any threats they may face.
Acorda has also discussed as of Oct. 23, 22 election-related incidents (ERI) have been validated out of 109 reported. Numbers show decrease in ERIs compared to previous elections, which is positive sign for upcoming BSKE, he said.
BSKE candidates with pending disqualification cases may not be able to assume their posts even if they win in Oct. 30 elections, Garcia said.
Garcia said commission intends to come out with resolution suspending proclamation of candidates with pending disqualification cases.
Garcia explained Comelec still has jurisdiction over those candidates who won elections, thus their proclamation may still be suspended.
According to Garcia, suspending proclamation is best remedy, considering high number of candidates facing disqualification cases.
He noted Comelec still needs to observe due process and will not immediately disqualify candidates without valid proof.
Under Omnibus Election Code, candidates with highest number of votes shall be proclaimed upon completion of election returns.
Comelec has already filed 165 petitions for disqualification and issued 7,103 show cause orders against candidates accused of premature campaigning. Poll body also issued 341 show cause orders against those who allegedly engaged in illegal campaigning.
In Aguilar town, Pangasinan, candidate running for barangay captain was shot dead by unidentified gunman.
Reports gathered from Pangasinan PNP provincial office identified fatality as Arneil Flormata, 41, resident of Barangay Bayaoas and running for barangay captain.
Initial investigation said prior to incident, Flormata was attending miting de avance at Sitio Casagatan. After delivering his speech, victim walked toward his sport utility vehicle (SUV) parked beside road to change his shirt.
When victim alighted from his SUV, he was shot once by still unidentified gunman using .45 pistol. Gunman then fled aboard getaway tricycle driven by his cohort.
Victim sustained bullet wound to head and was rushed to hospital in Mangatarem but was declared dead on arrival by attending doctor.
Police immediately conducted dragnet and checkpoint operations for possible arrest of suspect.
Authorities are conducting further investigation to determine possible motive behind killing, determine identity and immediate arrest of suspects.
Meanwhile, Pangasinan Police Director Col. Jeff Fanged said police will go after culprits in killing of Flormata. He said they will leave no stone unturned as he vowed to do everything to solve case.
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