Failure of elections declared in 14 barangays in Lanao del Sur

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Wednesday declared failure of elections in 14 barangays in Lanao del Sur.

Based on the memorandum released, the Deputy Director Executive for Operations Teopisto Elnas Jr.  requested for a conduct of special elections in 14 barangays in the municipalities of Tubaran, Binidayan, and Butig, Lanao del Sur.

Elnas also recommended holding special elections in at least 12 barangays in Tubaran on May 12, while one barangays in Butig and Binidayan on May 15.

The memorandum states that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) failed to retrieve stolen ballots in Ragayan, Butig. One policeman was also stabbed while protecting the vote-counting machines (VCMs).

Meanwhile, reported violence resulting in the damage of the VCMs and official ballots were the reason for the failure of elections in Pindolonan, Binidayan.

Violence, threats, and intimidation were reported in Tangcal, Datumanong, Guiarong, Baguiangun, Wago, Malaganding, Gadongan, Riantaran, Pagalamatan, Mindamunag, Paigoday-pimbataan, and Metadicop in Tubaran.

Elnas recommended the following: 

• declare the failure of elections in the foregoing areas,
• hold the conduct of special elections,
• designate personnel from the Philippine National Police as SBEIS for the purpose of the special elections,
• give preference to personnel from the BARMM Regional Office, and
• print official ballots to be used for these areas.

He also recommended the preparation of the budgetary requirements by the Finance Services Department, preparation of the VCMs to be used, and delegation of Director Ray Sumalipao to supervise the special elections.

“The commission resolved as it hereby resolves to adopt with modification, the recommendation of Deputy Executive Director for Operations Teopisto Elnas,” the memorandum read.

“Let the Deputy Executive Director for Operations, the Finance Services Department, the Information Technology Department, All Working Committees, and the Regional Election Director, BARMM, accordingly, implement this resolution,” it added.

On election day, the AFP recorded at least 15 incidents of election-related violence involving shooting and explosions.

Comelec chairman Saidamen Pangarungan said these incidents will be forwarded to the en banc and that the poll body "might" take action on the cases. — BM, GMA News