Violence plagues Philippine polls
Ap, Manila
Unidentified gunmen opened fire on soldiers guarding polling precincts during special elections yesterday in 13 Philippine towns where voting was postponed last week over fears of violence. The government sent about 2,000 soldiers and 500 regional police commandos to secure the elections in southern Lanao del Sur province, elections commissioner Rene Sarmiento said. He said the gunmen fired at troops in the Masiu and Pualas townships early Saturday, slightly wounding one soldier. The regional police chief later said the shooting in Masiu was not hostile in nature. Police said soldiers also briefly exchanged fire with armed thugs in Kapai township. No casualties were reported. The 13 Lanao del Sur towns represent about 96,400 voters, enough to affect the results of the balloting for 12 nationally elected senators.
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