KIDAPAWAN CITY -- Department of Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol, concurrent Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) for Region 12, met Saturday with police and military officials and informed them of Malacañang’s order to address vote buying and political terrorism incidents for Monday’s elections.
“I relayed to them the directive of President Duterte to address vote buying and political terrorism so the people will be able to freely choose their leaders,” Piñol said in a statement after meeting with election stakeholders here.
President Rodrigo Duterte has earlier assigned Piñol as CORDS for Region 12, also known as the Soccsksargen development hub.
As CORDS for the region, Piñol met with Brig. Gen. Eliseo Tam Rasco, police regional director for Region 12, and Army Brig. Gen. Jose Gongona of the 602nd Infantry Brigade. Also in attendance were police provincial directors.
“All is set and ready for Halalan 2019 in the Soccsksargen region,” Piñol said.
North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and the cities of Cotabato, Kidapawan, Tacurong, Koronadal, and General Santos comprise Region 12 or the Soccsksargen. (PNA)