Comelec sets contingency plans in Negros Island amid latest Kanlaon eruption | ABS-CBN

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Comelec sets contingency plans in Negros Island amid latest Kanlaon eruption

Comelec sets contingency plans in Negros Island amid latest Kanlaon eruption

Lyza Aquino,

ABS-CBN News

 | 

Updated Apr 09, 2025 02:16 AM PHT

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MANILA -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has begun laying out contingency plans following the eruption of Kanlaon Volcano on Negros Island on Tuesday morning.

During the Automated Election System (AES) demo at the Manila Hotel, Comelec Chairman George Garcia said they have already coordinated with their regional office regarding the possible establishment of makeshift polling precincts in areas that may be affected by the volcanic unrest.

"May contingency measure po tayo d'yan na pinag-usapan namin sa ating regional office. Lalong-lalo na ‘yung pagtatayo ng mga makeshift polling precincts or polling places, sa mga maapektuhan o madidisplace na mga kababayan natin sa paligid ng Kanlaon," he said.

He warned that continued volcanic activity could prevent residents from voting in their designated precincts, especially in schools near the volcano.

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"May posibilidad kung talagang itong Kanlaon ay magkakaroon ng activity sa mga susunod na araw ay maaaring hindi sila makaboto doon sa mga lugar na kung saan dapat sila boboto, lalo na ‘yung mga paaralan na nasa paligid ng bulkan," he added.

According to Garcia, the Comelec is working closely with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and other concerned agencies to ensure that alternative polling places can be set up immediately, if needed.

"Handa po kami d'yan and properly informed din ‘yung mga mamamayan natin. Kasama na rin po sa pakikipag-ugnayan na ginagawa ng Comelec sa ating Office of Civil Defense upang matulungan din ‘yung aming mga tauhan sa pagseset-up kung saka-sakali nitong mga pansamantalang pagbobotohan po," he said.

He also assured that election materials and documents are backed up and secure, in case local Comelec offices are affected.

"Meron kaming contingency. Kung sakaling maapektuhan ang aming mga opisina, may mga backup kasi kami doon sa lahat ng documents na meron kami. Doon sa mga lugar na kalapit ng Kanlaon, kung ano man ang mangyari ay hindi ma-co-compromise ang ating halalan sapagkat nariyan pa rin ang kagamitan ng Comelec," Garcia said.

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He further guaranteed that voters in the affected areas will still be able to exercise their right to vote.

"Hindi puwedeng tayo na mag-disfranchise ng mga kababayan natin d'yan sa area ng Kanlaon dahil lamang sa pagputok ng bulkan. We must ensure na makakaboto sila sa darating na halalan," he said.

Kanlaon Volcano erupted early Tuesday morning, sending a 4,000-meter-high ash plume into the sky. The eruption prompted class suspensions in nearby areas due to ashfall.


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