(Eagle News) — Two lawmakers urged the Commission on Elections to declare La Union an election hotspot ahead of the 2019 elections.
“Doing so could go a long way in reassuring the people of La Union that their government is taking the necessary steps to ensure their safety and the peaceful conduct of elections in the province,” Senator Nancy Binay said.
La Union Rep. Sandra Eriguel, whose husband, former lawmaker Eufranio Eriguel, was gunned down along with two civilian bodyguards last May, agreed.
Binay said she would write Commission on Elections chair Sheriff Abas to place the province under military protection in order “to prevent the spread of election-related violence in the province.”
“We don’t want the upcoming elections in La Union to be laced with fear and anxiety. Habang maaga pa, mas makabubuti kung under Comelec control na ang buong lalawigan para maiwasan at mapigilan ang anumang election-related violence,” Binay said.
In October, Sudipen Mayor Alexander Buquing, his driver Bonifacio Depdepen and his bodyguard Rolando Juan Be were killed after they were waylaid by several men in Barangay Cadapli.
Buquing’s wife, Vice Mayor Wendy Buquing, was also injured.
In November, Balaoan Vice Mayor Alfred Concepcion was also killed in an ambush, while his daughter, Mayor Aleli Concepcion, was wounded in the incident.
