AFP: Peaceful situation as poll precincts close

MANILA — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) lauded the Filipino people for the peaceful conduct of the mid-term elections as polling precincts closed at 6 p.m. on Monday.

“The AFP congratulates the Filipino people for the successful conduct of the National and Local Elections 2019 and their peaceful exercise of their right to choose our leaders who will continue to plot the future of our country. Very minimal breach of peace and order was monitored and reported from all over the country,” said AFP public affairs office chief, Col. Noel Detoyato, in a message to the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

While there were last minute attempts to disrupt the conduct of the elections, Detoyato said these were immediately addressed by government security forces.

“The months of preparations through coordinations and conferences by the PNP, AFP and the Comelec have been effective in ensuring that the Filipino people can exercise their right to vote free from intimidation, threats, and harassment,” he noted.

Detoyato also assured that security efforts remain in place to protect the transfer of election paraphernalia to the canvassing centers.

“We hope for everyone’s continued cooperation and vigilance in protecting our votes as we continue on with the canvassing in the coming days,” he said.