Cop told to explain Catmon poll failure declaration

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) started its investigation on the policewoman who declared the failure of election in Catmon town last Monday.

CPPO Director Sr. Supt. Noel Gillamac said that they have to check if the declaration of failure of election made by PO1 Mary Grace Marquez was intentionally made or not.

The Provincial Investigation and Detective Management Branch (PIDMB) has directed Marquez to submit her explanation not later than 48 hours to the CPPO headquarters.

 â€œPossible pud nga nakalitan lang siya sa pangutana sa media unya wala kaayo siya ka-grasp sa meaning sa failure of election,” said Gillamac in a press conference.

Gillamac added that Marquez’ immediate supervisor at the Catmon police station, Sr. Insp. Jose Rovic Villarin, will not be included in the investigation.

“No need na sa hepe. Sa policewoman ra,” he said in a phone interview.

Marquez is still assigned at the Catmon Police Station pending the investigation.

The FREEMAN tried to call Marquez yesterday at the police station but reportedly was not around after she called in sick.

Commission on Election (Comelec) Commissioner Grace Padaca, who was in Cebu last Monday, explained that a ‘failure of election’ will only be declared if no votes were casted in a polling precinct or if no winner was proclaimed in an area.

 â€œThere is no failure of election in the entire Central Visayas,” she said.

During the barangay elections last Monday, the police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines verified reports of armed men allegedly handing out P100 to residents of Barangay Amancion, Catmon in exchange for their votes.

The men were reportedly wearing camouflage outfits and bonnets which alarmed the residents, consequently causing the delay of the casting of votes which already started past 1:00 in the afternoon.

Also, Philippine Navy Commander Anchises Diola clarified that there was no ballot snatching, armed troops and harassment incidents in the area.

“This information is only to disrupt the election and cause fear to the BETs (Board of Election Teller),” said Diola.- (FREEMAN)