Bacolod: The Commission on Elections-Negros Island Region (Comelec-NIR) stated that more than 100,000 registered voters in northern Negros will be able to cast their ballots on May 12, even if Mt. Kanlaon undergoes a significant eruption.

According to Philippines News Agency, Lawyer Lionel Marco Castillano, the Comelec-NIR director, announced that the poll body and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) entered into a memorandum of agreement on May 1. This agreement outlines contingency measures for an Alert Level 4 scenario at the volcano. Castillano assured that alternative polling places would be provided to ensure voters can exercise their right to vote.

Castillano emphasized that public safety is a priority. In the event of a massive eruption on election day, safety and evacuation measures would take precedence. He noted the possibility of postponing the elections for up to 30 days should an eruption pose a significant risk to residents’ safety.

In preparation for such a scenario, plans include transporting voters to substitute voting centers if a major eruption necessitates the evacuation of residents from the enhanced 10 to 12-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone. Comelec-NIR records indicate that 37,690 voters in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, and 75,771 voters across La Castellana, Bago City, La Carlota City, Pontevedra, and Murcia in Negros Occidental could be impacted by an eruption.

Castillano also mentioned that they are closely observing the activity of Mt. Kanlaon, as reported by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, which noted low sulfur dioxide emissions that may signal a potential eruption.