Comelec places Pilar, Abra under red category due to election violence

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has upgraded Pilar town in Abra to the red category due to election violence, following a shooting incident on March 29.

The classification was elevated from orange after reports of the killing of the staff of Pilar Vice Mayor Jaja Josefina Somero Disono.

Comelec Commissioner Aimee Ferolino stated that placing an area under Comelec control is a sensitive issue requiring formal verification of reports from security deputies.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has filed murder charges before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against the regional director of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), 11 other police officers, and an election officer.

A final decision on placing the town under Comelec control will be made during the committee's next meeting after the validation reports are received.