ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR, Philippines— Power was restored in the town of Dimataling in Zamboanga Del Sur on Friday, May 17, but vote counting still could not resume because of defective SD cards.
A new electrical transformer was installed in Purok 5, Barangay Kagawasan on Friday morning to replace what gunmen strafed on Thursday night.
The unidentified gunmen who wore masks were spotted at a corner of the municipal canteen before the shooting happened, according to a police report. Gunshots were heard around 11 p.m.
No casualties were reported from the latest violence that was meant to disrupt the ongoing canvassing. (READ: Fire hits vote counting machines stored in Zamboanga del Sur school)
Although power was restored, vote canvassing was expected to resume on Saturday yet. Seventeen out of 33 vote-counting machines (VCMs) malfunctioned due to defective SD cards. The replacement cards have not arrived. (READ: Tension builds as vote counting drags on in Dapitan City)
Based on results from 48.48% of all polling precincts, Maria Dolores Baya of the Nacionalista Party is leading the mayoral race with a total of 3,151 votes so far.
In comparison, her rival Avelino Yrauda got 2,536 votes so far.
In the vice mayoral race, Haniel Baya of Nacionalista Party also leads with 3,072 votes while Mar Buluan of the United Nationalist Alliance got 2,383 votes. – Rappler.com
Stephen Bryan Esic is a Rappler Mover based in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur. He is the editor-in-chief of The Capstone School Publication in Saint Columban College Senior High School.
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