ABRA’s top two officials want more government security forces deployed in the province to thwart the possible rise in election-related violence.
The call was made by Abra Gov. Dominic Valera and Vice Gov. Ma. Jocelyn Valera-Bernos amidst the rising tension in the province after skirmishes between patrolling policemen and an armed group in Bucay town recently.
Last Thursday, Valera called for calm and sobriety among his province mates while condemning the “terrorism” perpetrated by unidentified armed men knocking on doors in villages pitching their candidates.
Valera said the past two elections in the province “were conflict-free and Abrenios enjoyed a harmonious community.”
The governor urged the PNP and the Armed Forces to deploy more forces to secure Abra, saying the province expects “to enjoy free, orderly, honest, peaceful and credible elections.”
Valera said he is alarmed that 122 barangay and SK bets for different positions throughout the province, including members of the board of election inspectors, “were forced to ultimately withdraw their candidacies and participation” in the coming Oct. 30 polls.
At least 44 Abra teachers (13 from Bucay; 14 from Pilar, which was placed under Comelec control during the 2022 polls; 3 in Lagayan; 6 in Lagangilang and 8 in Bangued have also begged off from serving in the coming poll, according to the Comelec-Abra.
Although Abra provincial election supervisor Atty. Richelle Belmes still believes the situation is generally peaceful but acknowledged the threats in Bucay, in Pilar, and Bangued towns “with alleged terrorism and intimidation.”
