Clashes Won't Affect Polls in Negros

BACOLOD CITY - The recent armed encounters between New People's Army (NPA) rebels and soldiers in Toboso town and Cadiz City in Negros Occidental will not affect the May 12 polls in the region, according to the Commission on Elections.

- By GILBERT BAYORAN

Comelec Negros Island Region chief Lionel Marco Castillano said the clashes on March 18 in Barangay General Luna in Toboso and the death of two NPA leaders in Cadiz City a week earlier have no bearing on the midterm polls.

Castillano noted that the armed engagements were government-initiated as the military intensified its operations against rebel remnants.

He said not a single candidate or voter was affected by the encounters.