BACOLOD City – Negros Occidental governor Alfredo Marañon called on authorities to monitor closely the sightings of armed men in the hinterlands of the 5th district.

Aside from the 5th district, Marañon said there are also reports of sightings of armed groups and intimidation in the hinterlands of San Carlos City, Calatrava and Toboso in the first district of Negros Occidental.

Marañon also said there is a need to keep a close watch on the fifth district of Negros Occidental.

He said this is the area where the most hotly contested electoral races are expected to take place today, May 13, 2019.

“Let us make sure the elections will be peaceful, honest and credible,” he said.

Areas under watch because of perceived close electoral fights are Binalbagan, Hinigaran, Himamaylan, Isabela, La Castellana and Moises Padilla in the fifth district of Negros Occidental.

In Binalbagan, incumbent Mayor Emmanuel Aranda (UNegA) is being challenged by Rep. Alejandro Mirasol (Lakas CMD); Hinigaran is a tossup between incumbent Jose Nadie Arceo (Lakas CMD), Edy de los Reyes (Independent) and John Paul Yulo (NPC); Himamaylan is a race between Anecito Araña Jr. (Independent), vice mayor Carminia Bascon (NPC) and Rogelio Raymund Tongson (UNegA);

In Isabela incumbent Joselito Malabor (NUP/UNegA) faces challenge from Irene Montilla (NPC); La Castellana – Felix Feria IV (NPC) and incumbent Rhumyla Mangilimutan (NUP/UNegA); and Moises Padilla incumbent Magdaleno Peña (NPC) and Ella Celestina Yulo (UNegA/PDP Laban).