Police trainees to act as BEIs in Lanao Sur special polls

MARAWI City – To cover for the lack of teachers to serve as election inspectors for the special elections on June 3 in Lanao del Sur, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has requested police trainees to do the job. Comelec director for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Nestor Tambuang told GMANews.TV late Monday that Philippine National Police (PNP) trainees from regions 10, 11, and the ARMM have been requested to serve as members of the Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs) instead of teachers. “Teachers are afraid, that is why PNP trainees will serve as BEIs instead," Tambuang said. During the May 10 polls, the Comelec declared failure of elections in seven towns of Lanao del Sur because the teachers there did not show up for their duties for fear of their lives. On the other hand, Sultan Gambai Dagalangit, a mayoral candidate of Lumba Bayabao town said the augmentation of military troops and police forces in the area has given voters a sense of security, adding that during the May 10 polls, only seven military personnel were present. “Our prayer was answered and our thanks to the Comelec and higher military officers for sending more troops to secure our people," Dagalangit said, the incumbent town mayor. Meanwhile, mayoral candidate Fatima Guro of Lumbac Unayan town expressed confidence voters will participate in the special elections as they feel more secured now with the presence of several military personnel in the town. “The Comelec declared failure of elections in our town due to the presence of armed groups," Guro said. The Comelec also declared failure of elections in the town of Glan in Saranggani province, and several precincts Basilan province. Busloads of PNP personnel from regions 10, 11 and the ARMM arrived Monday in Marawi City to undergo training as BEIs for the Lanao del Sur special polls. — Ric Clet/LBG, GMANews.TV