Police to guard Comelec offices in province

CEBU, Philippines - Provincial Police Director Jesus Gaquing yesterday ordered the assignment of police personnel in all offices of the Commission on Elections in the province following the incident in San Francisco, Camotes Island wherein a hot-tempered registrant boxed an election officer.

Gaquing said the directive came from Police Regional Director Lani-o Nerez, specifically to maintain peace and order at Comelec offices especially that the deadline for registration is only three days away. 

The incident last Tuesday morning started when election officer Lito Arquillano spotted Mark Anthony Resplandor, son of a municipal council aspirant, cut in the line of those whose biometrics photographed were to be taken and validated.

A heated argument occurred between Resplandor and Arquillano when the latter denied Resplandor’s request to be prioritized. Arquillano argued that he had to serve 12 other registrants first because the process the night before was cut short due to a brownout.

Resplandor then punched Arquillano in the abdomen, which prompted the election officer to report the matter to the police.

Resplandor later apologized to Arquillano in front of Sr. Inspt. Jesus Elmer Fernandez. Arquillano did not accept the apology at first, but later did so after deciding not to pursue charges against Arquillano.

The incident also prompted Provincial Comelec Supervisor Lionel Castillano to ask a security detail for Arquillano. — Gabriel C. Bonjoc/JMO   (FREEMAN NEWS)