Member voices concerns over alleged mistreatment
Fourth District Board Member Expresses Fear over Alleged Harassment
It's a tense political climate in the fourth district, Philippines, as Board Member Rolando "Pol" D. Balingit fears for his safety. This comes following an alleged confrontation with his own partymate, Macabebe Councilor Albert "Uncle Bet" Flores.
The incident, according to Balingit, took place outside his residence in Barangay San Roque, while he was meeting with 15 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). The councilor, along with several men, reportedly arrived, accusing Balingit of vote buying.
Balingit, who is contesting for a municipal councilor position in Macabebe, claimed they belong to one political team. During the confrontation, Flores allegedly threatened Balingit, saying, "Dadamputin ka ng CIDG pero hindi ka naman papatayin, kukunin ka lang. Nag-usap na kami ni Cong Bar at wag na wag kang lalabas ng bahay mo at popostehan kita."
"Cong Bar" here is believed to refer to Patrol Partylist Representative Jorge Bustos, who is contesting the reelection bid of fourth District Representative Anna York Bondoc. Balingit, a long-time ally of Bondoc, and Flores, a supporter of Bustos, are seemingly at odds.
Terrified by the events, Balingit fortified his main gate and locked the main door. He immediately sought police assistance, with the town's chief of police, Major Glenn Santelices, allegedly responding.
In response to the incident, Balingit appealed to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to consider placing parts of the fourth district under their control to ensure voter safety and prevent harassment. Previously, a similar request made by Bondoc was denied due to the lack of imminent threats.
Despite the dismissal, Balingit maintains that the recent events demonstrate a "disturbing" increase in political tension. He appealed for the concerns of the citizens to be addressed, stating, "Sana mapagbigyan ang panawagan ni Congresswoman Bondoc para ma-lessen ang takot ng ating mga kababayan at para po sila ay makalabas sa panahon ng botohan kasi kapag may takot ang mamamayan, baka hindi sila bumoto."
[1] Limited information suggests there are political tensions within Balingit's local party. (Press Release)
[1] With the confrontation between Balingit and Flores, the growing political tensions within Balingit's local party are becoming increasingly evident.
[2] Amidst the escalating war-and-conflicts in the fourth district's local politics, Balingit's appeal to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for enhanced security to prevent harassment gains importance.
[3] In the midst of crime-and-justice issues related to election-related incidents, the police response to Balingit's call for assistance highlights the need for further improvements.
[4] The events surrounding Balingit's alleged harassment by Flores should be a focus in the general news, shedding light on the inner workings and challenges of the fourth district's elections.
[5] Despite the Comelec's previous denial of Bondoc's request for increased security due to the lack of imminent threats, recent events involving Balingit demonstrate the importance of addressing the concerns of residents to prevent similar incidents during the elections.
