The Lakas-CMD has requested the Commission on Elections to place the first district of Oriental Negros under its control following an ambush that killed a barangay captain, and six other persons, and wounded four in La Libertad on March 9.

The town is about 105 kilometers north of Dumaguete City. Provincial elections supervisor Manuel Advincula said the request was made by Lakas-CMD executive director Raymundo Roquero, through a letter addressed to the COMELEC central office.

Advincula said the party cited the killing of Barangay Captain Lydio Baylon of Barangay Aya, and six others, by unidentified gunmen in Barangay Manluminsag, La Libertad.

Baylon was a staunch supporter of Lakas-CMD bet for congressman in the first district, Jocelyn Limkaichong, the incumbent town mayor.

The Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army has admitted responsibility for the slayings.

In his order dated March 23, Commissioner Resurreccion Borra, officer-in-charge for Central Visayas, directed Advincula to conduct immediate and objective investigation of the incident and submit a documented report on it for proper action by the Commission.

Baylon and several civilians were riding on a service truck of the barangay on the way to Barangay Aya, from the town proper when the incident took place.

On March 15, the Leonardo Panaligan Command of the NPA, in a press statement signed by JB Regalado, claimed that Baylon had been liquidated by the NPA as he was a leader of armed goons, responsible for killing of innocent civilians, arson, stealing and for helping government soldiers in the campaign against the underground movement.

However, Limkaichong, in a letter to the Comelec said the perceptions is that the ambush was politically motivated because of her intentions to run for congresswoman in the first district.

She said Baylon had always been a supporter of the current administration's program of government and a political ally.

Advincula said initial investigation indicated that the time was not yet ripe to place the entire district under the control of the Comelec.

The first district covers the municipalities of Manjuyod, Bindoy, Ayungon, Tayasan, Jimalalud, La Libertad, Guihulngan and Vallahermoso and Canlaon City .

Advincula said he is still waiting for the summary report of their investigation. He said that, based on Comelec Resolution No. 7773, an area can be placed under the control of the commission when there is a serious threat to the locality, and presence of armed men or private armies or armed goons is noted.

Advincula also said that once a locality is under Comelec control, the police, army, and even the local government units will be under it.

But we are ready for that, he said.*RA

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