72 cops take over as poll inspectors as teachers fail to show up in Cotabato City

BULUAN, MAGUINDANAO—At least 72 police personnel acted as Board of Election inspectors during the plebiscite to ratify the Bangsamoro Organic Law in Cotabato City after assigned teachers failed to show up due to security threats, a police official said.

Supt. Aldrin Gonzales, Police Regional Office 12 spokesperson, said the police officers took over five polling centers composed of 24 clustered precincts.

Police officers assigned to Cotabato City have been earlier trained to act as election inspectors, Gonzales said.

Cotabato City has been placed under the control of the Commission on Elections due to security condition in the area.

On New Year’s Eve, a powerful explosion outside a mall in Cotabato City killed two persons and wounded 34 others. /lzb