MANILA — All polling precincts in the country opened for the conduct of the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections on Monday.
In a press briefing, Commission on Elections (Comelec) acting chairman Al Parreño noted that all the 177,574 polling centers have functioned for the polls.
“100 percent opened successfully and started elections. (This is the) general report we received so far,” he said
“As of now, based on preparation, all of them were able to open. On that part, we would like to thank all our partners who made this happen,” Parreno added.
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Oscar Albayalde, meanwhile, reported that a total of 73,562 policemen were deployed in all polling places nationwide.
He added that some 89,000 cops acted as quick reaction teams in areas identified as election hotspots.
With this, Albayalde reported a total of 1,100 policemen acted as Board of Election Tellers (BETs) in six provinces in Mindanao — Sulu, Basilian, Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Cotabato City and North Cotabato.
He explained that these personnel were trained by the poll body as part of the contingency in all regions “just in case the need arises for them to be deployed as such.”
“But, then our policemen who are acting as BETs are unarmed. They are not allowed to carry firearms,” the PNP chief added.
Meanwhile, Albayalde said that violence recorded is minimal as compared to the figures in the 2013 elections.
“Based on confirmed election-related in 2013, we have actually 33 deaths. In 2018, our confirmed reports it has something to do with the Barangay and SK elections, we have 13,” he said.
“Although, there are 33 deaths, but only suspected cases, those confirmed as of this time 13. So compared to 2013 the confirmed cases is low 33 against 13 while the victims in 2013 are 109, this election, we have 83 much lower this year,” the PNP head added.
For his part, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Public Affairs Office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said that over 90,000 army regular personnel have been deployed in the village and youth polls.
“A total of 90,444 AFP regular personnel and around 15 percent of strength of AFP excluding CAFGU, the auxiliary and reserve force which are ready to comply if they additional personnel are needed,” he said.
Polling centers which opened at 7 a.m. should be closed at 3 p.m. (PNA)
