Ballot box found floating in Maguindanao swamp

MAGUINDANAO, Philippines — A ballot box, which contained election returns in the May 13 polls, was recovered in a swamp in Datu Salibo town.

Farmer Mohadz Mindao found the ballot box, which was turned over to the office of Maguindanao election director Ernie Palanan.

Palanan said the box should have been kept by the municipal treasurer after the winning candidates were proclaimed.

Meanwhile, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) strongly denied allegations of fraud in the May 13 elections by losing Datu Salibo mayoral bet Sam Sailon Esmael, with the recovery of the ballot box.

Esmael posted photos of the ballot box on Facebook.

The poll body said Ali Mamoribid, the municipal treasurer of Datu Salibo, claimed the ballot box was “stolen” from the municipal office.

“Contrary to allegations made by Esmael and in the absence of any proof of fraud, Datu Salibo election officer Mary Ann Marohombsar maintains the conduct of the May 13 polls in her jurisdiction was fraud-free,” the Comelec said. 

Concerned election personnel are coordinating with Marohombsar to assist the Philippine National Police in its investigation.

Datu Salibo has 9,504 registered voters.

Data shows Esmael garnered only 273 votes of the more than 5,000 votes cast.

“Actions are now being taken to set the facts straight and hold to account those who are responsible,” the Comelec said. – Sheila Crisostomo