MANILA - The Department of Education is now looking into several incidents of teachers who refused their election duties in the recent barangay polls. In an interview on Mornings@ANC, DepEd spokesperson Tonisito Umali said teachers are required to serve as board of election tellers unless they have a valid excuse. Hundreds of teachers refused their poll duties in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) due to security concerns. The Commission on Elections is urging DepEd to file charges against the teachers for neglecting their duty. The absence of the teachers caused problems and even postponement of elections in 94 barangays in the ARMM. "Titignan nating mabuti eto dahil kailangang balansihin natin yung tungkulin ng ating mga guro pagdating ng eleksyon at ano magiging epekto kung ang ating mga guro ay hahayaan natin silang tumanggi na magsilbi. Dun naman sa makatotohanan na may lugar naman na mapanganib and these are valid reasons na may mga lugar naman talaga na mapanganib," Umali said. ANC Dateline Philippines, October 31, 2013