Isabela special elections generally peaceful — PNP

MANILA, Philippines — The special elections conducted in Jones, Isabela on Monday was generally peaceful, according to the Philippine National Police.

PNP chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde yesterday said the voting held in Barangay Dicamay Uno ended at 6 p.m. without glitches.

“No untoward incident was reported during the conduct of the special elections,” Albayalde said in a statement.

The Commission on Elections ordered the conduct of special elections in Jones after the vote counting machines (VCMs) containing unread ballots were burned by armed men on May 13.

The PNP deployed additional police officers in Jones to help secure the electoral exercise.

The election officers were escorted by policemen during the transport of the VCMs and other election paraphernalia to the municipal hall.

The group arrived at the municipal hall building at around 7:10 p.m.

Albayalde said the intensified security coverage in the country would remain in effect until the end of the election period on June 12.

“We are not lowering our guards yet and all election security measures will be similarly implemented in the succeeding days and weeks,” Albayalde said.