NCotabato cops to serve as election tellers after threats delay polls

NORTH COTABATO, Philippines – Poll officials will deploy policemen as election tellers for Wednesday’s special polls in 13 barangays in Pikit town in the province.

Joel Celis, municipal election officer of the politically hostile Pikit, said they will utilize no fewer than 150 policemen as election tellers for the Oct. 30 elections in the 13 barangays.

Local poll personnel and teachers failed to administer Monday’s barangay elections in the area due to security reasons.

Brig. Gen. Ademar Tomaro, commanding officer of the Army’s 602nd Brigade, said soldiers have 'sanitized' the 13 barangays from armed partisans and members of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

Tomaro said a big Army contingent will secure the polling sites in the 13 barangays in Pikit.

“All preparations are in place. We are not taking chances,” Tomaro said.