MANILA, Philippines — The number of barangays identified as election watchlist areas (EWA) in Negros Occidental in connection with the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections is down to 80 from the previous 95. Inspector Charmae de Paz, Negros Occidental police spokesperson, said more barangays could be stricken off the watchlist pending validation, monitoring and worskhops conducted by the Commission on Elections (Comelec). There are 601 barangays in Negros Occidental, excluding Bacolod City. Senior Superintendent Ronald Lee, Pangasinan police director, said 289 firearms were surrendered by 144 barangay captains and 145 council members in the province. Marino Salas, Pangasinan election supervisor, said drug test is not mandatory for candidates.

Source: Philippine Star May 08, 2018 15:33 UTC