La Union eyed as poll hot spot amid killings

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is amenable to proposals to declare La Union as an election hot spot or area of immediate concern amid recent killings of local officials. 

In a radio interview, Noli Pipo, Comelec regional director, said they are waiting for the evaluation and recommendation of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). 

“We will meet with the PNP and AFP to assess the situation,” Pipo said. 

Vice Mayor Al-Fred Concepcion of Balaoan town was killed in ambush on Wednesday that also left his aide dead and his daughter  Mayor Aleli Concepcion wounded. Mayor Alexander Buquing of Supiden was killed on Oct. 1 and former congressman Franny Eriguel last May 12.

Probers are eyeing politics as among the possible motives for the murders.

Joel Gines, Comelec provincial supervisor, said placing La Union under Comelec control would ensure the presence of security forces and safety of residents. 

La Union Reps. Pablo Ortega and Sandra Eriguel said they are also in favor of declaring La Union as an election hot spot to prevent lawless elements from sowing terror. 

“I ask the PNP and the National Bureau of Investigation to speed up their investigations ... (The killings have) tainted peace and order in La Union... I urge residents to cooperate with authorities to unmask the perpetrators of these crimes,” Ortega said.  Eriguel said placing the province under Comelec control would  ensure that military and police personnel would be deployed across the province.