Marines fielded in Cavite towns

Camp General Pantaleon Garcia, Imus, Cavite — As local campaigns for the May 10 elections kick off today, the military is fielding Marines in various Cavite towns to augment the police in averting possible poll-related violence.

Superintendent Roberto Soriano, intel—ligence chief of the Cavite police, said Marines will be deployed in municipalities facing threats from terrorist groups.

Soriano said Army soldiers will also be fielded as "force multipliers" in towns which have histories of election violence.

Soriano refused to identify the muni—cipalities being closely monitored, but informed sources said they include Dasmariñas, Carmona, Silang, Imus and Bacoor.

Soriano said the police and the military will jointly conduct 24-hour checkpoints in various municipalities starting today.

Meanwhile, incumbent Gov. Ayong Maliksi, who celebrates his birthday today, will lead the proclamation of Magdalo Party candidates today in his farm in Imus, with Sen. Panfilo Lacson gracing the event.

Former governor Epimaco Velasco, on the other hand, will lead the Lakas-CMD proclamation in his hometown of Tanza with former President Fidel Ramos as guest.