Lanao Sur special polls: Cops to use body cams  

MANILA, Philippines — Policemen who will serve as board of election inspectors (BEIs) during the special elections in Lanao del Sur will use body cameras to ensure transparency.

“All accessible body-worn cameras in surrounding regions will be deployed to the area so that even high-level commanders will be able to monitor those being used by our personnel on the ground through a real-time video feed,” Philippine National Police (PNP) Directorate for Operations head Maj. Gen. Valeriano de Leon said yesterday.

The PNP recently purchased more than 3,000 body cameras in response to allegations of human rights abuses in the government’s war on illegal drugs.

De Leon said policemen serving as BEIs would also secure the precincts, conduct operations as well as respond to reports of vote buying and the presence of flying voters.

The PNP said 678 police officers and 154 soldiers were deployed in Lanao del Sur to maintain peace and order, particularly in 12 barangays in Tubaran town.

The Commission on Elections  set the special elections in Tubaran on May 24.

The poll body also declared failure of elections in one barangay each in Buting and Binidayan towns.

More than 8,000 voters are expected to participate in the special elections in the three towns.

Ballot snatching and violence among other security concerns were cited for the declaration of failure of elections.