Bulacan Villages Under Watch

The Philippine National Police in Bulacan, meanwhile, said it is now keeping an eye on nine barangays in the province.

Senior Superintendent Asher Dolina, Bulacan police chief, identified the "areas of concern" as the villages of Pungo, Sto. Niño and Meyto in Calumpit town; Niugan in Angat; Pulong Buhangin in Sta. Maria; and Muzon and San Isidro in San Jose del Monte City.

Dolina also named Barangay Sibul in San Miguel town and Barangay Akle in San Ildefonso as "areas of immediate concern."

He said police and military contingents will beef up security to maintain peace and order in these areas.

Dolina, meanwhile, reported the arrest of Marlon Gascon, 29, of Pandi town for violating the COMELEC gun ban. Gascon was arrested for alleged possession of an M-16 rifle, two magazines with live ammunition and a .38 pistol.

In Sta. Maria town, three alleged supporters of former mayor Ato Mateo poured gasoline on an Elf truck in Barangay Catmon.

Supporters of incumbent Sta. Maria Mayor Omeng Ramos were on board when the suspects doused the truck with gasoline. No one was reported hurt when the suspects set the truck on fire.
(from ABS-CBN Interactive)