MANILA, Philippines -  The Philippine Army's 9th Infantry Division on Tuesday said political killings in Masbate have continued despite the signing of a peace covenant among opposing political leaders in the province.

A report from Special Task Force Masbate said two political supporters were killed in 2 Masbate towns last week.

On March 14,  a certain Jose Frias y Sambajon of Busing village, San Pascual was shot dead by 3 heavily armed men using M16 rifles. Frias was said to be a political leader of incumbent San Pascual Mayor Zacarina Lazaro.

A day later, two gunmen shot dead a certain Ireneo Lumahog, 51, a resident of Tubog village in Pio V. Corpuz town.

Maj. Harold Cabunoc, chief of the 9ID Public Affairs Office, said opposing political leaders signed a covenant last Wednesday to uphold clean, honest and peaceful elections in the province.

The signatories to the peace covenant include Rep. Rizalina Lanete of Masbate, candidate for governor; Vice Gov. Vince Revil; retired general Darius Tuason, Second district representative candidate; Mabel Bartolabac , candidate for mayor of Masbate City, and 18 other political leaders vying for various elective positions in the provincial and municipal local government units.

Maj. Gen. Ruperto Pabustan, commander of the 9th Infantry Division, directed Special Task Force Masbate to intensify its campaign against partisan armed groups (PAGs) members. At least 10 members of private armies in Masbate have been arrested since January 1, 2010.

The Philippine National Police has listed Masbate among nine provinces considered as election areas of concern (EAC) due to the presence threat groups, history of election-related violent incidents in previous elections, and activities of Partisan Armed Groups.

The communist New People’s Army has established three Guerilla Fronts in Masbate with 93 active members armed with an estimated 113 firearms.