Duterte supporters barred from voting–PDP-Laban mayoral bet

DATU UNSAY, Maguindanao—Supporters of leading presidential candidate Rodrigo Duterte had been reportedly prevented from casting their votes since the opening of polling centers on Monday morning.

Kotang Abu Omar, the mayoralty candidate of Duterte’s party, Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), told the Inquirer that he and his supporters could not vote as followers of his rival, who were armed with stones, bladed weapons and sticks, were threatening them.

Omar was referring to supporters of Reshal Ampatuan, wife of detained Maguindanao massacre primary suspect Andal Ampatuan Jr., who is running for mayor under presidential aspirant Grace Poe.

Reshal Ampatuan could not be reached for immediate comment.

“We are asking the military to intervene,” he said.

Lt. Col. Edgar de los Reyes, commander of 34^th Infantry Battalion, said they had deployed additional troops here to secure the people who would be voting.

“I have directed my men to arrest supporters of any candidate bringing bladed weapons or any harmful objects,” he said.

Last night, two separate improvised bombs exploded near the town’s covered court but there were no reported casualties./rga

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