Comelec bans ‘help desks’ in Abra after shooting incident

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – The Commission on Elections (Comelec)  prohibited candidates from setting up “help desks” at voting centers in Abra province, after a shooting incident at a precinct in Lagayan town Monday morning.

Lawyer Mae Richelle Belmes-Beronilla, Abra election supervisor, directed all poll precincts to prohibit political parties and candidates from setting up help desks and command centers within the perimeter of voting areas.

READ: Shooting erupts inside voting precinct in Abra town

She barred barangay officials from the voting centers after receiving reports that some village leaders have been intimidating voters.

Abra was placed under Comelec control last week.

At press time, soldiers are in pursuit of gunmen who were reportedly involved in a shootout at a polling precinct in Barangay Pang-ot between supporters of the Luna and Crisologo families.

Authorities are verifying reports that two died from the gunfight. The Abra police have not released details of the shooting.