FIFTEEN towns in Pangasinan have already been included in the watchlist of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the police in connection with the May 10 national and local elections.

These are Basista, Binalonan, Malasiqui, Natividad, Rosales, Pozorrubio, San Manuel, Sual, San Nicolas, San Quintin, Bolinao and Tayug; and the cities of San Carlos, Dagupan, and Alaminos.

Provincial Election Supervisor Reddy Balarbar said these places were identified for the noted intense local political rivalries and based on reported incidents in the 2004 and 2007 elections.

He cited San Carlos City that remains in the watchlist because in 2007, then Mayor Julian Resuello, who was running for vice mayor in tandem with his son, Julier, as mayor, was shot and later died from his gunshot wounds.

Balarbar, however, clarified that the 15 towns are not under Comelec control but their inclusion in the list could be taken as a warning to the candidates and their supporters that they are being closely monitored by the Comelec.

There is still no urgency to deploy troops in ‘hotspot’ areas but Balarbar said deployment will remain an option until election day.

Balarbar attended a Philippine National Police (PNP) command conference in Pangasinan on January 11 called by Police Regional Director Chief Superintendent Constante Azares Jr. to assess the situation in the province.

GUN BAN

At the same time, Balarbar reported that the implementation of the total gun ban in Pangasinan since January 10 has so far led to the arrest of two violators, one a security guard in Pozorrubio, and a videoke bar customer in Urdaneta City.

He said checkpoints are in place on major roads of the province to implement the ban.

Azares warned that army reservists are not allowed to carry firearms even if they have a permit to carry outside of their residence.

Under the Comelec gun ban rules, only uniformed personnel of the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and other law enforcement agencies are allowed to carry firearms.

A candidate is allowed to have two uniformed police escorts, detailed by the police or AFP, and two additional bodyguards from private security agencies who must also be in proper uniform.

Balarbar also warned local candidates and their supporters from premature campaigning and to refrain from posting campaign paraphernalia on electric posts, cable wires and trees. —LM

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