Comelec: No fraud in Maguindanao town

THE COMMISSION on Elections in a statement on Monday denied poll fraud allegations by mayoral candidate Sam Zailon Esmael of Datu Salibo, Maguindanao, who posted on social media a photograph of a ballot box left in floodwaters. “Contrary to allegations made by Esmael and in the absence of any proof of fraud, Datu Salibo Election Officer Mary Ann Marohombsar maintains that the conduct of the May 13 polls in her jurisdiction was fraud-free,” the Comelec said, adding that the ballot box was stolen, as per the account of Datu Salibo municipal treasurer Ali A. Mamoribid. — Gillian M. Cortez