Bacolod City – Security personnel in Negros Oriental will definitely have augmentation forces during the May 2025 elections, since the province is a national concern, Atty. Lionel Marco Castillano, Negros Island Region election officer, disclosed recently.
But as of now, the peace and order situation in Negros Oriental is “so far, so good,” Castillano said, noting there are no reports of intimidation of violence.
“Nag-aaway lang sila sa FB (Facebook). Okay lang yon. Walang namamatay doon (They are fighting in FB. It’s okay. Nobody dies there),” he added.
During the October 2023 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE), Negros Oriental was placed under Comelec control with large contingents of police and military deployed in the province to avert violence.
No single election-related violent incident was reported in the province during the 2023 BSKE.
The Comelec en banc approved the recommendation of placing Negros Oriental under Comelec control following the March 4, 2023, assassination of then Governor Roel Degamo, which state authorities investigating the case said was politically motivated.
Degamo and nine others were killed, while more than a dozen were injured after a group of armed men barged inside his residential compound in Pamplona town.
Former Governor Henry Pryde Teves is challenging the incumbent, Manuel Sagarbarria, in the gubernatorial race, while Pamplona Mayor Janice Vallega Degamo, the widow of slain Gov. Degamo is running for the 3rd district congressional post, against Janice Teves Gaston, an aunt of former Gov. Teves.
The two Janices will battle for the post that was once occupied by Arnie Teves, Jr. who was ousted from the House of Representatives after being implicated in the Pamplona massacre that killed Governor Roel Degamo inside his residence.
Castillano said they have yet to convene the NIR Regional Joint Security Coordinating Center, pending the activation of NIR Police Regional Office, which may take place in December.
The election period is set from January 12 to June 11, 2025.
The RJSCC is composed of the Philippine Army, National Police, and Coast Guard, headed by the Comelec regional director.
At present, there are two Army battalions stationed in Negros Oriental, under the supervision of the 302nd Infantry Brigade, aside from various members of various police units. (Gilbert Bayoran via The Visayan Daily Star)