TUGUEGARAO CITY, Philippines- Police Regional Office 02 (PRO2) has received reports of three-election related incidents including the murder of a barangay chairman in Isabela, as of 10 AM on election day, May 14.
Cagayan Valley Police Director Chief Superintendent Jose Mario Espino told media that one of the two persons of interest in the killing of Bartolome Mackay, the barangay chair of Trinidad, Mallig, Isabela, tested positive in a paraffin test.
The Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division (R7) said Mallig police is now collating all documents to file the case against one of the suspects.
Following the incident, Mallig town was elevated from an election watchlist category two to category three. Espino also deployed additional personnel in the town.
Meanwhile, another shooting incident was reported in Atulu, Iguig, Cagayan on Thursday, May 10.
Barangay chair candidate Vicente Taguiam survived a gunshot wound to the chest by current Barangay Captain Renato Banatao after an argument in a drinking session.
Tagiuam’s two other companions were also wounded by Banatao and two others.
R7 said police are also preparing case documents against Banatao, adding Iguig Police Chief Senior Inspector Jeroge Jacob has assured that a case will be filed “as soon as possible.”
Meanwhile, Espino divulged that a reported stabbing incident also transpired in Ramon, Isabela early Monday morning but they are still gathering more details on the incident.
On election day, over 3,000 police officers were deployed throughout the region, especially in election hot spots.
Despite the said incidents, Espino described this year’s election as “more peaceful” compared to the previous barangay and SK elections.
“We pray na matapos ang eleksyon and still [peacful at] yun na lang ang incidents na maitatala natin,” Espino said.
Northernforum.net
