TRENDS (02 June 2010)

Everything is in place for the special polls in Lanao Sur—COMELEC

Islamic City of Marawi (02 June)—The Commission on Elections here in Lanao del Sur is ready for the conduct of the special elections tomorrow, June 3.

According to Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Joslly Demesa, everything is in place except for the members of Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs).

“We are still awaiting for the arrival of police trainees from region 10, 11 and 12 that we can start testing and sealing the precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machines,” she said.

In terms of security, the acting PES said that the security plan of the AFP and PNP is all set.

“They have organized well the augmentation and deployment of their troops to secure the conduct of special elections here in the province.

Atty. Demesa also disclosed that the manner of voting, counting and canvassing is still the same except for the transmission of results.

“Because of the lack of signal in some of the towns, the transmission of results will probably happen in the Provincial Capitol gym where the canvassing will be conducted, she added. (Apipa P. Bagumbaran / PIA Marawi)


Seven towns in Lanao Sur will conduct special polls—COMELEC

Islamic City of Marawi (02 June)—Acting Lanao del Sur Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Josllyn Demesa revealed that the special elections tomorrow will be conducted only in the seven towns where there was a total failure of elections.

With a total of 190 clustered precincts, these towns are Sultan Dumalondong with 11 clustered precincts, Lumba Bayabao with 38, Masiu with 35, Tubaran with 22, Lumbaca Unayan with 9, Marogong with 26 and Bayang with 49 clustered precincts.

Atty. Demesa said the commission has not yet issued an order on the conduct of special elections on the other 23 barangays in the province that have partial failure of elections. (Apipa P. Bagumbaran / PIA Marawi)


‘Smoking’ not a fashion anymore, says WHO

Malaybalay City, Bukidnon—Due to the increasing trend of smoking by women and girls worldwide, the World Health Organization (WHO) asserted that cigarette smoking is not glamorous and fashionable.

Cigar smoking may seem stylish and sophisticated, but a study shows that smoking can have serious health consequences like coronary heart diseases, throat cancers, strokes and respiratory diseases that have become prevalent among women, WHO said in observance of the World No Tobacco Day.

This early, Secretary Esperanza Cabral of the Department of Health (DOH) issued Administrative Order 2010-0013 which requires graphic health information—in the form of pictures or images—on all tobacco packages, to let the public know on the hazards of smoking.

The WHO, together with the DOH seeks support to the government’s comprehensive acts on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship to protect women and girls from images that portray smoking as trendy and fashionable.

Tobacco is the second major cause of death in the world, currently responsible for the death of one in 10 adults worldwide, or about 5 million deaths each year, said the WHO. ( Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy, PIA Bukidnon)