‘Peaceful, orderly Cordillera polls due to political maturity’

CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet – Despite poll violence in Abra and Kalinga elections in Cordillera was  “generally peaceful and orderly” due to voter’s education program, and growing political maturity among politicians and supporters in the region.

Chief Supt. Ulysses Abellera, regional police director, bared this saying election-related violence and incidents in Abra and Kalinga were immediately dealt with by law enforcers.

“We have to give credit to the growing awareness of our voters on the importance of the conduct of the elections coupled with discipline of our politicians and their supporters to be engaged in activities that will not trigger untoward incidents resulting to loss of lives and inflict serious damage to properties,” Abellera said.

He said there was significant reduction of election-related violence and incidents committed in the region during the 2013 mid-term elections compared to recent polls.

Statistics bared from April 2012 up to the May 2013 mid-term elections, there were 136 election-related violence and incidents while there were only 97 election-related incidents and violence during the period April 2015 up to May 2016.

The full alert of the Philippine National Police (PNP) has been downgraded to heightened alert, Abellera said.

But he added the 4,000 regional police force remains vigilant for post-election violence.

There were no election-related violence and incidents that were reported in Apayao, Baguio City, Benguet, Ifugao and Mountain Province before, during and after election season, he added.