The political landscape in the Caraga Region is heating up as the campaign period for the May 12 midterm polls unfolds, marked by the resurgence of long-standing rivalries in some provinces and the emergence of unexpected alliances in others.

Police officials reported a peaceful start to the campaign’s first week, which concluded Sunday.

Maj. Jennifer Omiter, spokesperson for the Police Regional Office in the Caraga Region (PRO-13), said the peaceful start of the campaigns was “a positive development for the region.”

“We are hoping that the situation would continue just like the previous peaceful and orderly elections in the region in 2022,” Omiter said in an interview Monday, expressing hope that the trend would continue, mirroring the peaceful and orderly elections in the region in 2022.

However, beneath the initial calm, residents are observing intensifying competitions, particularly in Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur, where prominent political families are once again locked in fierce contests for top local positions. The tension, evident even before the official campaign kickoff, has been amplified across social media.

In contrast, Agusan del Sur and Agusan del Norte present a much quieter political scene, with incumbent officials largely facing no significant challengers, suggesting smooth campaigns leading up to the May elections.

Meanwhile, Dinagat Islands has witnessed a significant shift in political dynamics as former adversaries have united to form a ticket, posing a notable challenge to a long-established political figure in the area.

The campaign period will run until May 10.

Surigao provinces: Familiar battles

In Surigao del Norte, the gubernatorial race pits incumbent Gov. Robert Lyndon Barbers against incumbent First District Rep. Francisco Jose Matugas II, continuing a long-standing family feud. This rivalry extends to other key positions, with allies and relatives of both the Barbers and Matugas clans vying for seats in Congress and various city halls.

The congressional seat vacated by Matugas II is being contested by his father, former Gov. Francisco Matugas, and lawyer Lucille Sering, a known Barbers ally. Similarly, Rep. Robert Ace Barbers is fielding his wife, Bernadette, as his successor in Congress, where she faces opposition from lawyer Carlos Egay Jr., aligned with the Matugas family. In Surigao City, the mayoralty contest features incumbent Pablo Yves Dumlao II, a Barbers supporter, against former Mayor Ernesto Matugas.

“The politics here in Surigao del Norte is heating up. The same families are opposing each other, and this has been happening for years,” said Randolf, a Surigao City resident who requested anonymity. He acknowledged the efforts of the police and other authorities in maintaining peace and order during the campaigns.

Neighboring Surigao del Sur mirrors this pattern with the continued political contest between the Pimentel and Pichay families. Incumbent Gov. Alexander Pimentel is seeking the second district congressional seat, running against Carla Lopez Pichay.

The gubernatorial post will be contested by Rep. Johnny Pimentel and Pichay ally Epimaco Densing III. The first district congressional race involves incumbent Rep. Romeo Momo Sr., a Pimentel ally, against Marihatag Mayor Justin Marc Pelenio, who is aligned with the Pichays. In Tandag City, Mayor Roxanne Pimentel, the governor’s wife, is facing lawyer Jose Zafra from the Pichay camp in her bid for re-election.

Dinagat: New alliances emerge

The political landscape in Dinagat Islands has taken an unexpected turn. Incumbent Gov. Nilo Demerey Jr. has broken away from his alliance with Rep. Alan 1 Ecleo and has instead joined forces with former Governors Arlene “Kaka” Bag-ao and Jade Ecleo. Jade Ecleo is now Demerey’s running mate for vice governor, while Bag-ao will challenge Rep. Alan 1 Ecleo for the congressional seat. Incumbent Vice Gov. Benglen Ecleo has also parted ways with Demerey and will run for the same position, partnering with newcomer Lamberto Llamera Jr. for governor.

Agusan provinces: Relatively calm

In contrast to the intense rivalries in the Surigao provinces and the shifting alliances in Dinagat Islands, the upcoming elections in Agusan del Sur and Agusan del Norte are shaping up to be largely uncontested. In Agusan del Sur, incumbent Gov. Santiago Cane Jr. is expected to face an independent candidate with limited political visibility. Incumbent Representatives Alfelito Bascug of District I and Eddiebong Plaza of District II are running unopposed.

Agusan del Norte presents a similar scenario, with incumbent Gov. Maria Angelica Rosedell Amante and her running mate, Vice Gov. Enrico Corvera, facing independent candidates with minimal political influence. Lone District Representative Dale Corvera is also running unopposed.

Butuan City: A mayoralty battle

The mayoralty race in Butuan City stands out as a rare competitive contest. Incumbent Vice Mayor Lawrence Fortun will face four challengers, including Charito Plaza, former director general of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority. Political analysts suggest Plaza represents the only significant threat to Fortun’s candidacy.

As the election season progresses, the contrasting political dynamics across the Caraga Region highlight the diverse factors shaping the local races in the upcoming May polls. (PNA)