Islamic City of Marawi (26 October) -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday postponed the conduct of barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) polls in some barangays in Lanao del Sur.
Comelec-ARMM Director Atty Rey Sumalipao said the elections were suspended in more than 200 barangays in the province including the whole town of Butig which has 16 barangays.
He said these barangays are scheduled to conduct their elections today, October 26.
According to him, the delay in the delivery of election materials resulted to the failure of precincts to function today leading to the suspension of elections in these barangays.
Sumalipao disclosed that the election in Butig was totally suspended because the whereabouts of the town's election officer cannot be located.
We will tap the services of an election officer from the other regions for scheduled election in Butig, he said.
The police trainees from regions 9, 10 and Caraga will also be serving as board of election tellers tomorrow, he added.
Security forces will likewise be added in these areas to ensure orderly and peaceful elections.
Poll-related violent incidents were also a contributing factor to the suspension of elections in these areas.
In press conference held at Kampo Ranao, Brigadier General Rey Ardo of the 103rd Brigade of the Philippine Army cited incidents like the firing of guns, harassment and rumble causing failure and postponement of elections in some barangays in the province.
Aside from Lanao del Sur, Sumalipao further disclosed that 10 barangays in Basilan, nine barangays in Sulu, and two towns in Maguindanao will also conduct elections today.
No comments