PRO-11: Plebiscite peaceful

THE Police Regional Office in Davao Region (PRO-Davao) has reported that the plebiscite for the ratification of the law renaming Compostela Valley province to Davao de Oro on Saturday has been generally peaceful with no untoward incidents.

PRO Davao Regional Director Filmore Escobal said the security coverage of the precinct and the transport of ballots have been safely carried out, attributed to the combined efforts of various stakeholders.

They have already anticipated that the event will be going to be smooth considering that almost all the residents are in favor of renaming the province.

“Through our close coordination with the Comelec (Commission on Election), local government units, PNP (Philippine National Police) and AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines), and other government troops, we were able to ensure the peaceful exercise of the citizen’s right to vote in the province,” Escobal said.

Under Memorandum Order 42, President Rodrigo Duterte concurred with the Comelec deputizing the PNP and AFP for the plebiscite.

On the plebiscite day, Escobal visited Compostela Valley Province and personally checked the deployment of troops at the polling centers and other vital installations.

Based on their data, there were a total of 559 PNP personnel who were deployed at the 286 polling centers to man the security of the electorate who took part in the plebiscite.

“We still do not let our guards down. Patuloy pa rin ang aming pinapatupad na maximum security coverage just to ensure that this will end peacefully and orderly until the plebiscite period is lifted,” Escobal said.

The plebiscite period runs from November 7 to December 14 and during this period, permit to carry firearms is suspended.

According to the Comelec, out of 410,261 registered voters in the province, a total of 179,953 cast their votes or a 43.86 percent turnout. The plebiscite garnered 97 percent of votes or 174,442 for yes while 3 percent or 5,020 voted for no.