Sunday, October 24, 2010

Police, military told to secure polls in Sulu

Governor Sakur Tan looks at a crowd in Maimbung town in Sulu as Brigadier General Mario Monteja, commander of military forces in the province, gestures Sunday, October 24, 2010. Tan orders the police and military to secure Monday's village polls. (Mindanao Examiner)



SULU, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Oct. 24, 2010) – Sulu Governor Sakur Tan has ordered the police and military to secure Monday’s village polls to ensure peaceful and honest elections.

Tan said he wanted orderly and credible elections in the province’s 19 towns and warned mayors to stay out of the village polls.
“We have ordered police and military forces to guard the elections on Monday and to ensure that the polls are credible, honest and orderly. We want the villagers to vote according to their conscience and free will,” he said.

Security officials met with Tan in Maimbung town and discussed about the security during the elections.

Brigadier General Mario Monteja, commander of military forces in Sulu, said they have coordinated with the police and deployed troops around the province to ensure elections are orderly.

“We have coordinated with our police counterpart and everything is in order,” Monteja said.

Monteja’s group also awarded Tan a plaque of appreciation for his support to the military’s peace and order efforts in the province.

Police and soldiers, backed by armored vehicles, have taken up positions near polling places in preparation for the elections. Authorities also put up a command center in the capital town of Jolo to monitor the conduct of elections. (Mindanao Examiner)

No comments: