Lubuagan, Kalinga – Although the Municipality of Lubuagan has been categorized under red or ‘areas of grave concern’ this 2022 election, the Philippine National Police there assured a peaceful and orderly election period.
Red area classification means the area has a history of election-related incidents, possible employment of partisan armed groups, and declared previously under COMELEC control or has serious armed threat.
In an interview, Lubuagan Police Chief Police Captain Alexander Malasi recalled there were two incidents related to politics in 2013. These, he said, might have been among the reasons why the municipality has been classified under ‘areas of grave concern’.
The incidents include the severance of Bodong between Barangay Mabongtot and Lubuagan Proper, which took lives from both sides, and the shooting incident in Barangay Uma after two brothers fought over their political bets.
Malasi also added that they cannot deny there was a barangay with NPA presence. However, the Chief of Police asserted that the election period after 2013 is peaceful and that he assures this will continue this 2022 local election.
“Tattan ngay ket tumultulong ngay dagitoy elders especially organized community elders iti Lubuagan tapnu maging peaceful ta madi dan ngay, nu mabal-balin madi dan ngay nga mangyari dagiay nangyari idi 2013,” he said.
He added that since the filing of certificate of candidacy in October 2021, there was no violence or threat related to politics in Lubuagan.
Meantime, candidates who are vying for different positions in the municipality are expected to sign a covenant of peace this first week of March.
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