MANILA — Approximately 292 political candidates in Abra have withdrawn from this year’s Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE), as reported by the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr., the PNP chief, and George Garcia, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairperson, visited the province to assess the situation.
“We were personally briefed by the Comelec chairman, and we have compiled a list of the candidates who withdrew. In total, 292 candidates have withdrawn,” stated Acorda.
The police chief assured that appropriate security measures have been put in place to address concerns related to safety.
Acorda previously mentioned that candidates withdrew due to alleged threats.
Additionally, in Abra, a few teachers assigned to serve as members of the electoral board also withdrew.
To enhance security, an additional 352 police officers have been deployed to Abra by the PNP.
According to the Comelec, on October 18, they received a report of a candidate for the BSKE in Bucay, Abra, who was tragically shot and killed.
(ai/mnm)
