No rebel involvement on PCOS burning in Miag-ao, says PA
The Philippine Army (PA) here in Iloilo has clarified the alleged participation of the members of New People’s Army (NPA) in the burning of five precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machines placed in the Home Economics building of Caduldulan Elementary School in Miag-ao, Iloilo.
According to its report submitted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines Task Force HOPE, no armed group was seen in the area and no explosion was heard when the incident happened contradicting the allegation of two policemen detailed as security of the PCOS machines in the area.
The report was based on the interview with the residents in the area conducted by the members of the 82nd Infantry Battalion also based in the said town.
The report also revealed that said two policemen both left the Home Economics building of said school and went to Brgy Proper more or less 100 meters away from the area to fetch water and when they came back, the building was already on fire.
Police Security PO1 Elicanal and PO2 Nacis said that they heard a blast and ran away for fear when they mistakenly identified those persons around helping to put off the fire where members of the NPA.
Investigations also showed that residents of the place suspected that the cause of fire was electrical short-circuit and came from the kitchen of the building.
Said burned PCOS machines are supposedly intended for Brgys Cabalaunan, Caduldulan, Matalngon, Onop and To-ong.
Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Elizabeth Doronilla immediately sent PCOS machines to replace the burned ones.
