7 Pampanga towns placed on watch list

By George Trillo

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga- Although the Philippine National Police described this province as peaceful area during election periods, the provincial police office here said that it would place at least seven towns under its election watch list.

Police Director Gil Lebin Jr., provincial police chief, said the towns of Apalit, Arayat, Candaba, Mabalacat, Mexico, Porac and San Simon would be included on their election watch list following reports of alleged growing tensions between political rivals in the areas.

Lebin said the towns are not hotspots but simply are on the watch list to prevent growing tensions and possible violence.

The provincial police chief said that the towns have histories of election-related violence during previous polls.

“These towns are not hotspots. We have just included them on our watch list to closely monitor the political situations because of intense political rivalries and history of election-related incidents,” Lebin said.

Lebin said the provincial police would ensure peaceful elections and monitor all reported tensions in the province especially those on their watch list.

“We will field additional police officers in these seven towns and we will put up more checkpoints,” Lebin said.

Meanwhile, the police chief clarified that there are no reports of election violence in Pampanga amid tensions after the Commission on Elections declared that former Senior Board Member Lilia “Baby” Pineda won over Governor Eddie “Among Ed” Panlilio in the May 2007 elections.