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Barangay elections deadly
Canadian nationals in the Philippines have been warned by Ottawa against participating in public protests and political rallies, especially now with the election period for the Oct. 28 barangay elections underway.
Barangays are the smallest local government unit in the Philippines.
Synchronized Barangay elections will be held on Monday, October 28, 2013 and will elect Barangay Chairmen, also known as the Punong Barangay or as “Barangay Captain”, and members of the Sangguniang Barangay, or Barangay council, in 42,028 barangays throughout the Philippines.
Canada and the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office informed its nationals the Philippine Bureau of Immigration had warned foreign tourist visa holders against joining rallies and mass actions.
In an update to its travel advice, Canada noted that due to the upcoming barangay elections on Oct. 28, the Philippine government is imposing a ban on “bearing, carrying or transporting firearms or other deadly weapons” until November 12.
“Expect a noticeable increase in checkpoints run by the Philippines National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” it added (http://travel.gc.ca/destinations/philippines).
Also, it said a liquor ban will be in effect October 27 and 28, during which all persons are forbidden from selling, providing, offering, buying, serving or consuming alcohol.
“Certain hotels and other establishments certified by the Department of Tourism are exempted from the ban. Violators can face imprisonment and other penalties,” it added.
Meanwhile, Canada also warned its nationals that “Attending any protest, demonstration or political rally may lead to detention and deportation.”
“Tourist visa holders taking part in these rallies may face deportation for violating Philippine immigration laws,” the UK Foreign office said.
It added the Philippine police had “specifically warned foreign national tourists against participating in public protests and political rallies.”
“Foreign nationals who participate in these activities may be detained and deported for violating Philippine immigration laws,” the advisory also said.
About 100 village officials have been killed and 41 others wounded in the nine months leading to the barangay elections, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.
PNP chief Director General Alan Purisima has ordered all police units nationwide to step up security measures for the upcoming polls.
Purisima also directed them to strengthen partnership with the community to ensure peaceful and orderly elections.
Although the barangay is the smallest unit of government, police officials said the barangay balloting appeared to be more hotly contested than the national elections.
Superintendent Wilben Mayor, spokesman for the PNP chief, said a total of 177 incidents of violence involving barangay officials occurred from Jan. 1 to Sept. 22 this year.
Of the fatalities, Mayor said 47 were barangay captains while 49 were council members.
Under the law, barangay captains and their councilmen can serve for three years in office for three consecutive terms.
In 2010, the Department of the Interior and Local Government informed the Commission on Elections (Comelec) that 4,410 of 42,028 barangay chairpersons had served their third term.
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