Barangay polls generally peaceful in Ilocos Norte

Where’s my name? People search for their names in the registered list of voters at Shamrock Elementary School in Laoag City on Election Day. (Lei Adriano)

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff Reporter

Aside from several incidents of alleged harassment and arrest of persons for violating the liquor and the election gun ban, the October 28 barangay elections here were generally peaceful according to P/Sr. Supt. Gerardo Ratuita, acting provincial director.

So far, two barangays in the towns of Marcos and Badoc earlier classified as under areas of immediate concern had no reported election-related violence, Ratuita said in an interview in Marcos town while monitoring other adjacent municipalities with intense political rivalries.

The provincial director appealed to all candidates and supporters to remain calm and respect the rule of law.

In Currimao town, at least three persons at Barangay Victoria were apprehended by the police for trespassing and were also positive of alcoholic breath, said Currimao police chief Ryan Retotar. He said the police is already preparing appropriate charges to be filed against them.

Police Insp. Joseph Baltazar of the Bangui police station also confirmed report of indiscriminate firing at Sitio Ubbog, Barangay San Lorenzo in Bangui. As of press time, the police is preparing charges against the suspect.

In Piddig town, a family of three was allegedly “abducted “on their way home to vote on October 28. The police said relatives claimed they were brought to a candidate for barangay chairman headquarters but the head of the family clarified later on that they were just invited to “drop by” prior to casting their vote in their designated election precinct.

In Laoag City, a group commotion was reported at Plaridel Elementary School but was immediately controlled by responding police authorities.

Radio reports also showed massive vote buying in some barangays ranging from P100 to P500 per voter, and which were being brought to the doorsteps of voters enclosed in sample ballots a night before election day.

COMELEC set up express lanes for PWDs, senior citizens, and detainees. (Lei Adriano)

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