The opposing mayoralty candidates of Pulupandan town that has been tagged by the COMELEC as an area of concern, both said yesterday that any violence in today's elections won't break out from their camps.

Samson Mondia (KAMPI) said his camp will keep the polls peaceful, and if any violence breaks out, it will be from the camp of his opponent Magdaleno Peña.

Peña, on the other hand, said he has no intention of using violence. Past actions of violence came from the Mondia camp, he said.

Elections Provincial Supervisor Jessie Suarez late yesterday went to Pulupandan to ensure that peace prevails in the town, where he will spend most of today.

On Saturday thousands gathered at a rally in support of Mondia in Pulupandan that was attended by retired General Raymundo Jarque, Peña's former live-in partner Plinky Recto, his mother Lina, and brothers Bonifacio and Mario Peña. Several of those who spoke warned of the danger of electing Peña into office, Mondia said. Peña, on the other hand, claimed some of the participants at the rally were trucked in from outside Pulupandan and that many Mondia's supporters were moving over to his camp.

Peña also said his mother Lina and brothers Bonifacio and Mario have not returned to his family ancestral home in Barangay Ubay, Pulupandan since they left late Friday.

On Friday morning his mother had insisted on regaining entry into the house she said she had not lived in for 18 years since Pena took it over.

Senior Supt. Rosendo Franco, Negros Occidental police director, Friday said a gentleman's agreement had been reached wherein private security guards at the compound of the ancestral house would be replaced by six Regional Mobile Group men.

It was also agreed that Lina, Bonifacio and Mario would have free access to the house that Magdaleno remained in possession of, Franco said. Members of an International Observers Mission will be closely watching Pulupandan today and it is hoped that their presence will help deter violence and fraud, they said.*CPG

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