By Edwin Fernandez | Philippine News Agency
As part of measures to prevent balloting delays, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has established seven repair hubs in the region ahead of Monday’s elections.
“This is a precautionary measure that would address technical issues during the polls,” lawyer Ray Sumalipao, BARMM election director, told reporters in Cotabato City on Saturday.
The repair hubs for automated counting machines (ACMs) are located in Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Lanao del Sur including Marawi City, Basilan including Lamitan City, Tawi-Tawi, Cotabato City, and the Special Geographic Area in North Cotabato.
Sumalipao stated that during the final testing and sealing on Friday, minor issues arose but were quickly resolved.
“Over 3,000 ACMs have been tested across the region and no major issues were noted,” he said.
Addt’l elite Army forces arrive in BARMM for poll duties
Meanwhile, the Philippine Army has sent additional troops to Camp Siongco, Maguindanao del Norte for deployment as security measures in Central Mindanao intensified in preparation for the midterm polls.
In a statement Saturday, Maj. Gen. Donald Gumiran, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID), said a contingent from the 53rd Division Reconnaissance Company (53rd DRC) arrived Friday afternoon at the Tactical Operations Group headquarters aboard a Philippine Air Force C-130 aircraft.
“These elite troops are being deployed to reinforce the operational strength of the 90th Infantry Battalion, which is currently responsible for ensuring security in key areas within the 6ID’s area of responsibility (AOR),” Gumiran said.
The 53rd DRC consists of about 500 officers who will support the 90th Infantry Battalion in several towns in North Cotabato and parts of the Special Geographic Area in BARMM, which the Comelec listed as “hot spot” areas.
Gumiran, also chief of Joint Task Force Central, said the deployment is part of the military’s comprehensive security preparations to ensure that the upcoming elections will proceed smoothly.
“Our goal is to ensure a safe, peaceful, orderly, clean, and credible election. We support the Comelec and other agencies in upholding democratic integrity,” Gumiran said.
About 5,000 military personnel are currently deployed in the 6ID’s area of operations to help ensure orderly elections.
