Police, military: Northern Mindanao elections generally peaceful

CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines – The police and the military declared in a command conference on Tuesday, May 10, that the elections in Cagayan de Oro and in the rest of Region 10 were generally peaceful.

The Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry Division commander Major General Benjamin Madrigal Jr said that the polls were generally orderly as people cast their ballots across Northern Mindanao.

“We remain committed to keep it this way and your government troops shall continue to be vigilant as the counting and canvassing of votes are still ongoing. We also call on everyone to respect the results of the election,” Madrigal added.

Commission on Elections (Comelec) Region 10 Director Wilfred Balisado said that the active participation of soldiers and police helped in ensuring credible elections.

In Northern Mindanao, there were at least 7 election-related incidents recorded, including the murder of Armando Ceballos, an independent mayoral bet in Lantapan, Bukidnon.

“Although there were … election-related violent incidents, the situation is manageable by the law enforcers,” Balisado said.

In the Caraga Region, the Comelec also declared peaceful and orderly polls.

Regional Director Renato Magbutay added, however, that “there are still remaining phases of the election which are more critical and that is the counting and canvassing phase.”

Cagayan de Oro Police Director Chief Superintendent Jose Gentiles said the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines remain vigilant “in providing security to support the Comelec” for the transmission of votes. – Rappler.com