SunStar: Cebu town seeks Comelec control

Citing intense political rivalry there, another town in Cebu province has asked election authorities to place it under Commission on Elections (Comelec) control. Sun-Star Cebu reported Wednesday that Medellin town Mayor Manreza Lim asked the Comelec for the declaration "to avoid a bloody scenario" in her territory. Lim, who is running for vice mayor against former provincial board member and incumbent councilor Michael Miranda, said her allies running for councilor had received death threats. Only recently in Sitio Laray, Curva, she claimed, a shooting took place and victimized one of her political leaders. "So much so that they are very much affected (by) this unacceptable move by our political opponents," Lim wrote acting provincial election supervisor Lionel Castillano. Also, she claimed that in some sitios and barangays where they campaigned, their speeches were "often hampered and jeopardized" due to "sudden intentional power interruptions." But Vice Mayor Ricardo Ramirez, who is running for mayor, claimed she was "hallucinating and must be very desperate." Ramirez is said to be a protégé of the Martinez family who "rules" the district, while Lim has the support of Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia. "Where in the world can you see a mayor losing control of her police personnel? It’s so funny. Why is she asking for Comelec control when she is the one in power? Remember, I am just a challenger and have no control over the police while she has. Am I that powerful? It only shows how incompetent she is," Ramirez said. When asked whether he will approve of such a declaration, he said, "If that’s what she wants, why not, the better for me." Central Visayas regional police head Chief Superintendent Silverio Alarcio Jr said he hopes politicians will report their complaints to the police or election officers – with evidence. This came after several politicians have announced they want to place their respective towns and certain barangays under Comelec control. Lim’s request is not the first request made by a candidate for Comelec to take full control over all election activities in Cebu’s northern area, particularly the fourth district. Earlier, similar calls came from candidates of Madridejos and Daanbantayan. Congressional aspirant Benhur Salimbangon had also said the declaration must cover the whole fourth district. The island of Bantayan in Cebu Province and the first district of Negros Oriental had earlier been declared election areas of concern. - GMANews.TV