By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Negros Occidental was given assurances by both the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) after the recent clashes between government forces and the New People’s Army (NPA).

In a radio interview, Comelec-Negros Occidental elections supervisor, Atty. Robert Salazar, said that he has been receiving regular communication from both NOCPPO and the AFP.

Last April 1, another clash erupted in Barangay Buenavista in Himamaylan City which resulted in the deaths of two NPA insurgents.

Salazar said he was assured by both NOCPPO and the AFP that the situation is under control despite the recent clashes in the said city.

Himamaylan City is currently among the list of 18 local government units in Negros Occidental that are under a Comelec watchlist.

Himamaylan City is currently under the orange category or an area of immediate concern due to the presence of NPA insurgents.

Also listed under the orange category are the cities of Kabankalan, Silay, Sipalay, and Victorias and the towns of Binalbagan, Cauayan, Manapla, Hinoba-an, Ilog, Isabela, La Castellana, and Toboso./DGB, WDJ