Strafing, snatching, delays: Usual poll problems return

MANILA – Some of the usual election-related problems again cropped up on Election Day Monday, ranging from violence to missing names in the voters' list. In a press briefing, the Commission on Elections said it has recorded 18 election-related incidents out of 42,000 barangays nationwide. "Eighteen out of 42,000 contests all over the country is very, very minimal. Halos wala ho. Medyo masaya kami ng kaunti hindi dahil birthday lang ni Commissioner Luie Guia but so far, the ongoing vote seems to be okay except for some minor incidents,” Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes said. In Buldon, Maguindanao, the polls were delayed in some areas after armed men prevented the delivery of election paraphernalia. Maguindanao is one of the areas where teachers refused to serve as election inspectors due to security threats. Comelec said there were strafing incidents in Mariveles, Bataan and Barangay Mati in Digos City as well as shooting incidents in Region 6. The polls were also held up in the Calayan Group of Islands in Cagayan since election materials have yet to arrive there. Elections in 6 clustered precincts in Vinzons, Camarines Norte were delayed after election materials fell into a river while being delivered. The Comelec also received reports of ballot snatching in Antonio, Catubig, Northern Samar. Election watchdog Lente or the Legal Network for Truthful Elections said the opening of the barangay elections was generally smooth and peaceful but also reported incidents of vote-buying in Ilocos Sur, Palawan and Jolo. Polling precincts closed at 3 p.m. and there will be no extensions. The Comelec is expecting a 70%-75% turnout of 54 million registered voters. ANC, October 28, 2013