Comelec, Bulacan cops monitor reports of vote-buying

Representatives of the Commission on Election and local police in Bulacan inspect a compound of a politician reportedly engaged in vote-buying. But the authorities later found no evidence of the incident.(PHOTO BY CARMELA REYES-ESTROPE)

CAMP GEN. ALEJO SANTOS, Bulacan, Philippines — Before voters trooped to poll precincts on Monday (May 9), local police and representatives of the Commission on Elections carried out “Oplan Bantay Bigay” to monitor and prevent incidents of vote-buying in the province.

Lawyer Rene Cruz, provincial election supervisor, said they received reports of alleged vote-selling and vote-buying in Calumpit town and City of San Jose del Monte on Sunday.

Vote-buying was allegedly taking place in barangay halls.

In a village in City of San Jose del Monte, a compound of a provincial official was also inspected due to reports that voters were being fetched by passenger jeepneys hired by the official.

However, no incidents of vote-buying have been confirmed in these areas as of Monday morning.

Col. Charlie Cabradilla, Bulacan police director, also created “Task Force Bantay Bigay” to gather and respond to reports and complaints of vote-buying.

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