Lakewood, Zamboanga del Sur – The Barangay and SK election in Barangay Gasa, Lakewood, was stopped due to a near shooting incident in the polling place but was resumed later after police operatives responded to the incident on October 29, 2007 at 10:30am.

Reports reaching the Police Provincial office said that while the Barangay and SK election was going on, a shooting incident transpired that causes the electoral process to stop.

Initial investigation disclosed that a heated argument ensued between the incumbent Barangay Chairman Evelyn Manalo and Rodulfo Linta, candidate for Barangay Kagawad armed with a pistol.

Rodulfo tried to shoot Linda but the gun failed to fire. Reloading, he tried to shoot the husband of Linda but the gun did not fire again. Immediately the voters in the polling centers hurriedly left the area to avoid being hurt.

Since the voters have left the polling center due to the incident, the election officials stop and closed the precinct. Upon receiving reports of the incident, the police operatives of Lakewood Municipal Police Station together with the elements of the 53rd IB and CAFGU Units proceeded to the area and fetched the Election Board Tellers back to Poblacion Lakewood.

However the casting of the SK level was successfully done while the Barangay level was temporarily stopped and only about 20-voters has cast their votes.

The Provincial Election Supervisor ordered to resume the conduct of the Barangay election the following day, October 30, 2007, which was started at 12:45 noon at Gasa Elementary school and secured by the PNP operatives and the elements of 53rd IB, Philippine Army.

The casting of votes was generally peaceful and  up to the counting  was closed at around 6:30pm by the election personnel.  

Last update : 16-11-2007 22:56

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