Special elections in Lanao Sur towns peaceful - PNP

Islamic City of Marawi (4 June) -- Elections in the seven towns in Lanao del Sur appeared to be generally peaceful although there were some isolated incidents that did not disrupt the election process.

"The elections now is the most peaceful and orderly elections that happened in the province," said Police Chief Superintendent Bienvenido Latag, Regional Director of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

There was harassment in Sultan Dumalondong where an unknown armed group using M60 machine gun, 40mm grenade launcher and other high powered firearms hounding government troops, Latag disclosed.

However, joint troops from Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and PNP reinforced the engaged troops and safely secured the polling places, election paraphernalia and voters of the said town, he added.

Legal Network for the Truthful Elections (LENTE) commended the AFP and PNP for their efforts in maintaining peace and order.

Atty. Carlos Medina Jr., LENTE co-convenor, said the polls is abnormally peaceful and they are thankful for the presence of both troops.

Based on our own observations, the special polls now is generally and peaceful, however, we are not prepared to say that the results is 100% truthful, he added.