BY: CHARLES NIKKO LIMON
The Cordillera Regional Joint Security Control Center (RJSCC) confirmed that two election-related incidents have occurred in the province of Abra, as concerns grow over the rising number of shooting cases leading up to the midterm elections.
According to the Philippine National Police (PNP), 17 shooting incidents have been recorded in Abra since the start of the election period on January 12, 2025. Of these, two were validated as election-related.
The RJSCC expressed alarm over the situation. COMELEC-Cordillera Regional Director Atty. Julius Torres said while all incidents affect civilians, security forces are actively working to address the threats. “Whether election-related or not, citizens are affected. But we know the PNP and AFP are doing their job. It’s a matter of working together,” Torres said.
Police Regional Office Cordillera Regional Director PBGen. David Peredo Jr. echoed the concern. “It is alarming and concerning. We don’t want any loss of lives. We want the violence and shooting incidents to stop,” he said.
To bolster security, the PNP has deployed over 100 additional police personnel to the province, while the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) assigned extra troops from the 501st Infantry Brigade.
The AFP is also monitoring threats from the CPP-NPA’s Kilusang Larangang Guerilla North Abra.
“We are doing our job the best we can,” said BGen. Dean Mark Mamaril, Commander of the 501st Brigade, assuring support from all uniformed personnel.
In addition to ground forces, the AFP has committed air assets to assist PNP and COMELEC personnel in responding to incidents in remote areas.
Despite these developments, COMELEC has not declared Abra under its control, despite appeals from certain groups.
Atty. Torres cautioned against premature declarations, noting the negative impact on local governance and law enforcement operations.
However, he said they are open to recommendations from municipal or provincial security councils.
Currently, six municipalities in Abra are under the “yellow category” in terms of potential election-related concerns, while three towns are classified under the more serious “orange category.” These include Lagayan, Pidigan, Tayum, Tineg, Dolores, and Lagangilang under yellow, and Bangued, Bucay, and Pilar under orange.
Meanwhile, 21 individuals have been apprehended across the Cordillera region for violating the COMELEC gun ban from January 12 to March 30. Of these, 10 were arrested in Abra, followed by seven in Kalinga, three in Baguio City, two in Benguet, and one in Mountain Province.
No violations were reported in Apayao and Ifugao.
