|
Monday, October 29, 2007
Comelec reports no major poll disruption
MANILA (Updated 2:30 p.m.) – Minutes before polling precincts close, the Commissions on Elections reported no major violence or disruption while police authorities described Monday’s synchronized barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections as “uneventful”.
Malacanang's pardon order
Post comments here on President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's grant of pardon to former President Joseph Estrada.
Elections Commissioner Rene Sarmiento reported no major violence or disruption.
"We hear of vote-buying here and there, but it's not a major trend," Sarmiento said.
Police authorities monitoring the elections continued to receive reports of perennial problems like delays in the delivery of poll documents, missing names, and poll violations like – electioneering and vote buying.
PNP Spokesman Samuel Pagdilao said Monday’s election was generally peaceful based on field reports but they are expecting a 30 percent increase in violence Monday based on the police records during the 2002 barangay elections.
Chief Superintendent Silverio Alarcio, PNP Directorate for Operations chief said as of 6:30 a.m. Monday, police recorded 43 incidents of election-related violence. Of the said figure 23 people were killed and 20 wounded in the incidents.
Before dawn, fire broke out in a school building that was to be used as a voting center in northern Nueva Ecija province, although the cause was unclear. Elections officials proceeded with voting in nearby buildings, Sarmiento said.
Pantabangan Mayor Romeo Borja said the fire might have been set off deliberately to delay elections in Barangay Malbang. Police are working closely with the Bureau of Fire Protection to determine cause of the fire.
Comelec Spokesman James Jimenez said the Comelec is closely coordinating with the authorities to avert more election-related violent incidents.
On the other hand, flooding and landslides set off by heavy rains in the Bicol region, southeast of Manila, might prevent a few hundred villagers from casting their votes.
Reports gathered by the Comelec said election paraphernalia intended for Albay province were damaged due to the flooding.
A total of 123 families from three barangays in Camarines Sur failed to vote Monday due to the flooding.(AP/Sunnex)For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Manila. (October 29, 2007 issue)
Write letter to the editor. Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board. Click here. |
|
|
|
[return to top]
[home]
|
|
