Fourth District Board Member Rolando “Pol” D. Balingit has expressed alarm for his safety following an alleged harassment incident involving his own political ally, Macabebe Councilor Albert “Uncle Bet” Flores, on Tuesday afternoon.
Balingit said the confrontation occurred at around 5:20 p.m. outside his residence in Barangay San Roque, while he was meeting with a group of around 15 persons with disabilities (PWDs).
According to Balingit, Flores arrived at the scene with several men and accused him of vote buying before allegedly issuing threats. Both Balingit and Flores are running for municipal councilor of Macabebe under the same political slate.
During the confrontation, Balingit quoted Flores as saying: “Dadamputin ka ng CIDG pero hindi ka naman papatayin, kukunin ka lang. Nag-usap na kami ni Cong Bar at ‘wag na ‘wag kang lalabas ng bahay mo at popostehan kita.”
Balingit believes “Cong Bar” refers to Patrol Partylist Representative Jorge Bustos, who is challenging the reelection of Fourth District Representative Anna York Bondoc, a longtime ally of Balingit. Flores is a known supporter of Bustos.
“Dahil sa takot ko, ikinandado ko ang aking main gate at sinarado ko ang main door dahil nakita ko na ang aking mga anak ay talagang natakot sa pangyayaring ‘yun,” Balingit recounted.
He said he immediately sought assistance from local authorities, prompting a response from Macabebe police chief Major Glenn Santelices.
In light of the incident, Balingit renewed his call for the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to reconsider placing parts of the Fourth District under Comelec control to protect voters and candidates amid rising tensions.
Comelec had earlier denied a similar request from Rep. Bondoc, citing a lack of imminent threat based on assessments from the Regional Joint Security Control Center.
However, Balingit insisted the incident shows the situation on the ground is deteriorating.
“Sana mapagbigyan ang panawagan ni Congresswoman Bondoc para malessen ang takot ng ating mga kababayan. Kapag may takot ang mamamayan, baka hindi sila bumoto,” he said.
