Cabanglasan, Bukidnon – May 13, 2025 — Two election-related incidents have stirred tension in Cabanglasan, Bukidnon, just days after the May 2025 national and local elections, involving both a mayoralty candidate and a barangay official.
On the evening of May 11, at around 11:05 PM, the Vice Mayor of Cabanglasan, who is also a mayoral candidate, reported a case of trespassing to the Cabanglasan Municipal Police Station (MPS). According to police, the official alleged that a 59-year-old male resident of Purok-8, Poblacion, forcibly entered his residence in Purok-10 without permission.
Responding police personnel led by PMAJ Guy R. Pacamo, officer-in-charge of Cabanglasan MPS, said the suspect appeared to be intoxicated and was heard uttering words in the local Visayan dialect as he forced open the gate. Supporters of the complainant detained the man and turned him over to authorities. He was brought to the police station for proper documentation and processing.
Less than 12 hours later, another alarming incident unfolded. On the morning of May 12 at around 9:05 AM, a Barangay Kagawad from Purok-1, Dalacutan, filed a complaint against two male residents for alleged Grave Threats, Violation of the COMELEC Gun Ban, and Physical Injury.
The Kagawad reported that at about 5:00 AM on the same day, he was confronted and harassed at his home by two armed men, one allegedly wielding a pistol. The confrontation reportedly stemmed from accusations that the official made false statements regarding their barangay’s election funds—allegations that may have been politically motivated, as the wife of one of the suspects currently serves as Punong Barangay.
The Cabanglasan police immediately launched a hot-pursuit operation to locate the suspects. Authorities said a formal complaint is being prepared for regular filing.
In response to the back-to-back incidents, Bukidnon Provincial Police Office (BUK PPO) appealed to the public for calm and vigilance.
“We remind everyone that any form of violence or intimidation during the election period will not be tolerated,” said PCOL CULAWAY, underscoring their commitment to maintain peace and security throughout the post-election period.
Investigations into both cases are ongoing as authorities continue to monitor potential election-related threats in the area.