By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The chief of police for Moises Padilla yesterday confirmed the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has categorized the town as a “red area,” which considers the locality an area of grave concern.

Moises Padilla police chief, Police Captain Junji Liba, said the Comelec’s decision came after the recent murder of incumbent Town Councilor Jolomar Hilario by the New People’s Army (NPA), along with an earlier clash between government forces and the NPA in the town’s Barangay Quintin Remo.

“It is the highest category for areas of concern in connection with the May 13, 2019 election” he explained.

Liba said there is also a perceived intense political rivalry between the candidates.

The contest for mayor pits incumbent Mayor Magdaleno Peña against his niece, Vice Mayor Ella Garcia-Yulo./DGB, WDJ