Abra seeks more gov’t security forces to thwart violence

BANGUED — Abra urged more government security forces to step in to thwart the possible hike of election-related violence in the province.

Abra Governor Dominic Valera and Vice Governor Ma. Jocelyn Valera-Bernos made the call on Saturday after last Monday’s skirmishes between patrolling policemen versus an armed group in Bucay town.

Governor Valera last Thursday called for calm and sobriety among his provincemates while condemning the “terrorism” perpetrated by unidentified armed men knocking on doors in villages pitching their candidates.

The governor said the past two elections “were conflict-free and Abrenios enjoyed a harmonious community.”

Gov. Valera urged the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to deploy more policemen and soldiers to secure Abra, as he emphasized that the province expects “to enjoy a free, orderly, honest, peaceful and credible elections.”

The governor 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 upcoming 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 October 30 polls, Comelec-Abra had reported.

Although Abra provincial election supervisor Atty. Richelle Belmes still believes the situation is generally peaceful while acknowledging the threats in Bucay and some in Pilar, and Bangued towns “with alleged terrorism and intimidation.”

Bucad Mayor Jay Dominador Go is Governor Valera’s son-in-law and Vice Governor Valera-Bernos’ brother-in-law to Ma. Sylvia Valera-Go, a barangay chairman candidate in Bucay town.

Cordillera police director Brig. Gen. David K. Peredo had so far dismisssed any connection between Balmaceda and Bucay Mayor Go, including two men recently caught who, according to the police official, were among 9 members of an armed group that fought with patrolling policemen last Monday.

The encounter was a follow up operation after two employees of Bucay town were poked in the head with long firearms by unidentified attackers.