Baguio City: The Police Regional Office (PRO), Department of Education (DepEd), and Commission on Elections (Comelec) in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) announced they are prepared for the upcoming balloting process on May 12, with all necessary manpower, logistics, and plans established.
According to Philippines News Agency, Comelec Regional Director Julius Torres confirmed in a private message that the deployment of automated counting machines (ACM), peripherals, supplies, ballot boxes, generator sets, solar lamps, and other election equipment across 1,442 voting centers in 1,177 barangays has been completed. Torres emphasized that the final testing and sealing (FTS) of the ACMs is a crucial component of the preparation. This process ensures the functionality of the ACMs, allowing time for necessary repairs or replacements before the election.
The deployment of ‘Starlink’ kits to 45 municipalities will provide essential internet connectivity to voting centers lacking data or internet access. Brig. Gen. David Peredo, PROCAR regional director, stated in a press conference that augmentation security personnel have been deployed to areas requiring additional support. Furthermore, 184 police personnel have been trained as special electoral board members, ready to step in if teachers withdraw from election duties.
Dr. Estela Cari±o, DepEd regional director, expressed confidence that all teaching and non-teaching personnel are committed to their roles in the election process. She reported no indications of personnel reconsidering their participation, expressing hope that this commitment will persist through the election’s conclusion.
