THE elections in Eastern Visayas were generally peaceful amid reports of malfunctioned vote counting machines in some areas of the region, the police regional command said Tuesday, May 10, 2022.

Brigadier General Bernard Banac, director of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Eastern Visayas, said since the opening of the casting of votes at 6 a.m until its closing at 77 p.m. Monday, May 9, no untoward incidents in polling centers have been recorded.

“Ultimately, I thank the Lord for guiding us throughout the election process. I fervently pray that the polls will end peacefully. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all our counterparts in the government and stakeholders who supported us all the way since the start of the election period,” said Banac.

“To our brave men and women in our ranks, my salute to each one of you for rendering your election duties snappily,” he added.

According to the police official, the presence of PNP personnel “was felt by the voting public”, particularly on school premises where the casting of votes happened.

“The PNP will remain steadfast in providing security coverage for the canvassing of official votes until the proclamation of winners,” Banac said. (SunStar Philippines)