CATBALOGAN CITY — With just five days to go before the 2025 National and Local Elections, at least two barangay officials in Sta. Margarita, Samar are dispelling rumors circulating on social media about alleged threats of violence in the town.
Chairman Rustom T. Roma of Barangay Cautod and Chairman Edwin Progella of Barangay Lambao told The Samar Chronicle that there is no truth to claims of imminent unrest. They emphasized that increased police presence has played a vital role in maintaining peace and order.
“Police visibility in almost every barangay has given us a strong sense of security,” said Chairman Roma.
“We believe that a well-secured community fosters a peaceful and fair election.”
Chairman Lambao echoed this, adding, “There is no substitute for safety. We believe that when law enforcement is present and active, it discourages those who may want to disrupt the democratic process.”
Both chairmen encouraged their constituents to go out and vote on election day. They said that voters should not be intimidated by individuals attempting to harass or threaten them, and instead, they should vote according to their conscience.
Sta. Margarita has been tagged by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) as one of the top 10 election “red areas of concern” nationwide—and one of only two such areas outside Mindanao—due to heightened political tensions.
In response, the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8), in coordination with the Leyte Provincial Joint Security Control Center (PJSCC), has ramped up security operations to ensure a safe and credible election on May 12. According to local officials, the police have been conducting 24/7 visibility patrols and checkpoints in various barangays.
“We feel safe and secure with their presence here,” one barangay chairman added. “Their routine roving—both day and night—is a deterrent to any potential violence.”
The Samar Chronicle attemptedto reach the chief of police of Sta. Margarita Municipal Police Station for further comment, but he was unavailable at the time of the visit. | Ricky Bautista
