"It seems something is brewing in La Libertad and in Canlaon City," Commission on Elections provincial supervisor Manuel Advincula said, adding that he is planning to devise way of diffusing tension in these areas.

Advincula said it would not be good to hear that Oriental Negros will follow the likes of Abra province, Isabela and some parts of Mindanao where some areas may be placed under COMELEC control, due to tension and election-related incidents.

However, Advincula said, if pressed by these developments, his office will be forced to place certain areas in the 1st Congressional District under Comelec control as provided in Resolution 7784 and other laws. He personally does not want this to happen, Advincula said.

The Comelec may assume control and supervision of local government units which do not comply with election laws. Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police Central Visayas command is initiating a dialog between candidates for various positions in the first district in connection with the elections.

PNP regional commander C/Supt. Silverio Alarcio is expected to discuss important matters with the candidates to diffuse a brewing tension that is developing in the district due to recent incidents that tend to indicate bickering among political camps.

PNP provincial commander Sr. Supt. Melvin Ramon Buenafe has confirmed that the police command took notice of various requests from politicians in the district who sought security, but this has to undergo clearance from Advincula.*JG

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