Moises Padilla Mayor Magdaleno Peña lauded the news suggesting his town may no longer be designated an elections watch list area, crediting an increased police and military presence for the locality’s drop in election-related violence.

He said elements of the Philippine Army 62nd Infantry Battalion have chased New People’s Army (NPA) rebels out of the town.

The mayor added, there are about 30 rebels remaining in town, who are lightly armed or equipped with improvised weaponry.

When asked if he supported President Rodrigo Duterte’s decision to cancel peace talks with the NPA, Peña said the president should have made that decision “a long time ago.”

Earlier this month, Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office director, Police Colonel Romeo Baleros identified Moises Padilla as one of the towns that could be removed from their elections watchlist areas.

Aside from Moises Padilla, EB Magalona, Toboso, Don Salvador Benedicto, and Isabela are also being considered for removal as areas of concern for the upcoming 2019 midterm elections./DGB, WDJ