AFP reports ‘minimal breach of peace’ as polls near end

MANILA — The military has so far recorded a minimal breach of peace and order in the ongoing Monday’s elections.

“As of (2:40 p.m.) today, very minimal breach of peace and order was monitored and reported from all over. There were last minute attempts to disrupt the conduct of elections but these were immediately addressed by our security forces,” Col. Noel Detoyato, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief, said in a message to the Philippine News Agency.

Voting hours started 6 a.m. and will end at 6 p.m. as per Commission on Elections (Comelec) rules.

“The months of preparations through coordination and conferences by the PNP (Philippine National Police), AFP and the Comelec is seen working through to make sure the elections will be conducted,” Detoyato said.

Earlier, AFP spokesperson Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said groups attempting to sabotage Monday’s elections will not succeed.

“They will never succeed. The degree of preparation, the degree of planning, as well as execution and coordination between the AFP, PNP, Comelec, and other agencies as very encouraging,” the AFP spokesperson said in a mixture of English and Filipino.

He added that this coordination will help ensure that the May 13 mid-term elections will be orderly, peaceful and credible aside from giving voters the opportunity to cast their ballots for their desired candidates.