PNP deploys 149 personnel for special elections in Jones, Isabela

May 20, 2019

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday deployed a total number of 149 personnel for the special elections in Jones, Isabela.

“As of 6 am today, we have deployed a total number of 149 PNP personnel to secure and assure the safe conduct of special elections in Brgy. Dicamay Uno, Jones, Isabela,” Police General Oscar Albayalde said in a press briefing.

“Until now, we are not lowering our guard yet and all election security measures will be similarly implemented in the succeeding days and weeks until the official culmination of the election period on June 12,” he added.

A special election was conducted in Isabela after armed suspects torched the vote counting machines being transmitted to the municipal hall last May 14.

Due to this incident, Commission on Elections spokesperson James Jimenez considered as crucial time for them.

“The problem in Isabela is not during the election but it was after the voting… so that’s the more critical time period that we are going to be looking at today as well,” he said in a press briefing.

Once votes in the province are transmitted, Jimenez said it is possible for them to proclaim winners by Tuesday.

“With 1,050, 681 votes from Isabela province expected tonight, I think at this point it’s a pretty sure bet that we have a proclamation tomorrow,” he said.

He said there will be only one proclamation with partylists being proclaimed in the morning while senators will be in the afternoon.

“One proclamation except there’s a long intermission in between, the intermission is really for the purpose of preparing the venue. For partylist, there is a different requirement, also for the venue of senators,” Jimenez said.

Though the poll body is not sure if President Rodrigo Duterte will attend, Jimenez said they are preparing for his security and space in the event. Ella Dionisio/DMS