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Residents of San Andres, Quezon afraid to go out and vote after killings


A day before the May midterm elections, residents of San Andres, Quezon are fearful after incidents of killings occurred in the past few days.

Some of them are even afraid to go out and vote on Monday.

 

Residents of the peaceful town of San Andres, Quezon said they are afraid of going out to vote after incidents of killings in their area occurred recently . Peewee Bacuño

 

The San Andres Municipal Police Station however said that of the five incidents of killings recently, only one can be considered election-related.

Acting Mayor Serson Emprese, who is also running for the mayoral post, said it is hard to say if any of the killings is election-related but added that this is the first time such things occurred in the town.

Supporters and leaders of Emprese are also fearful, according to the acting mayor, thus he appealed for help from the national government to maintain peace and order in San Andres.

Another mayoral candidate, Atty. Giovanni Lim, said residents should not think the killings are related to the elections since the police already did their investigation. 

Lim cited the killing of a barangay kagawad on Friday. The kagawad, Rodini Boot, was a victim of robbery as an armed suspect barged into his house, got his money, and shot him to death. The incident is clearly not election-related, Lim said.

 

 

Boot's wife, however, said the incident may be politically motivated since her husband is a known supporter of a politician.

Fr. Renante Malimata, parish priest of San Andres, said it is peaceful in his town, and he is hoping the elections will likewise be orderly and peaceful.

Malimata expressed sadness about the recent killings, and was concerned that no suspects have been arrested yet, and no witnesses have come forward.

He said residents should still go out and vote on Monday and set aside their fears.

Some residents interviewed by GMA News said they will exercise their right to vote on Monday despite their concerns for their safety.

They expressed hope that police will implement stricter measures. —Peewee Bacuño/KG, GMA News

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