MARAWI CITY (Mindanao Examiner / May 18, 2013) – The Philippine Army said surveillance cameras had played a vital role to the success of the country’s midterm polls in Lanao del Sur province where violence was synonymous with elections.
Brig. Gen. Daniel Lucero, commander of the 1st Infantry Division, said prior to the May 13 polls, they initiated a series of consultative meetings with the representatives of the Commission on Elections, political groups, tribal leaders, civilian poll watchdogs and other stakeholders on the use of the surveillance cameras to closely monitor the elections in various polling places.
The presence of security cameras – installed by soldiers – prevented election frauds and irregularities and other poll violations.
“The idea was unanimously taken positively by the political candidates. This was manifested by their acts of voluntarily providing the much needed cameras and other requirements to make the project possible,” Lucero told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.
He said: “The Maranaos have always wanted clear and honest election in their province and their support to the idea (of putting up security cameras) was a clear indication of their aspirations for transparent and honest elections.”
Lucero also praised the Muslim elders and voters in Lanao del Sur for their vigilance and active participation to ensure safe elections. “The result of the peaceful elections is something that they can be proud of,” he said. (Mindanao Examiner)
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