Military in EV prepares for barangay elections

The Philippine Army in Eastern Visayas is preparing measures to prevent NPA rebels from disrupting the Barangay elections slated on October 28 this year. Col. Rafael C. Valencia, Brigade Commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade Philippine Army based in Camp Jorge Downes Ormoc City, he said they expect the rebels will try to influence the outcome of the elections especially in areas where rebels continue to operate because they want to gain favorable support from local officials. However, Valencia said his troops are always ready to meet whatever threats are being poised by the rebels especially in remote barangays under his jurisdiction.

Reports disclosed that NPA rebels are still operating in some Leyte towns such as Jaro, Burauen and Albuera Leyte. Infact, an ambush incident happened last Saturday where two soldiers were wounded in brgy. Rubas Jaro Leyte.

However, Valencia considered the ambush incident an isolated case. But, nevertheless, his troops are focused on said areas. Also part of their efforts is to strengthen their presence on some barangays in Leyte known to have presence of the NPA rebels where they convince people not to be intimidated by the rebels in the coming polls. Futhermore, Valencia expects that officials will not intervene in the conduct of the coming elections as this should be considered a non-partisan political activity. The Province of Leyte, Southern Leyte and Biliran are all under the jurisdiction of Col. Valencia.