Tuesday, May 15, 2007 (Philippines)

Murder Suspect and candidate for mayor Domingo Zaspa on election day in Sta. Fe, Bantayan Island (above, with news reporters, including Sun.Star’s Mia E. Abellana [with cap]. Zaspa is one of two suspects in the murder of his rival bet Rogelio Ilustrisimo Sr.(Sun.star photo/Alex Badayos) AFTER all the jitters in a campaign that saw one mayoral candidate murdered, Cebu survived election day without bloodshed, even in Comelec-controlled Bantayan Island. “Mingaw kaayo (All was quiet),” said Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 Director Silverio Alarcio Jr. But as the counting of votes started late yesterday afternoon, Alarcio ordered all the district commanders under the Task Force Hope (honest, order and peaceful elections) to set up more checkpoints and strengthen police presence around the polling places, particularly in places where there are close fights. Pinoy Votes: Sun.Star Election 2007 [full story]