In the past 2022 national and local elections in Cordillera, the elections were peaceful.

However, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) still encountered various issues.

One of the problems was the malfunctioning of some vote-counting machines (VCMs).

According to the agency’s data, 12 VCMs needed repair at that time.

“This was one of our problems; some of our machines encountered breakdowns and defects,” said Atty. Julius Torres, Regional Election Director at COMELEC – CAR.

“We have contingencies, and the cycle is quick,” Atty. Vanessa Roncal, Regional Election Officer at COMELEC – CAR, added.

Thus, COMELEC assures they are prepared for the upcoming elections.

“They petitioned that each province should have a repair hub, and we have contingencies,” Torres mentioned.

Aside from this, COMELEC is also prioritizing security.

Abra remains an area of concern due to rival candidates.

COMELEC appeals to candidates to stay true to their commitments upon filing their candidacies.

The COMELEC is also set to activate the Regional Joint Security Control Center.

“They should identify areas with peace and order issues, and we expect suggestions from the PNP, members of the electoral board. The election, we are not left to handle it alone. We hope for a peaceful election in May,” Torres clarified.

In the 2022 national and local elections, 7 towns in Kalinga were classified under the red category, 2 towns in Mountain Province under the orange category, and 9 towns in Abra, one town in Kalinga, and one in Apayao under the yellow category.

This categorization is due to the presence of possible private armed groups, intense rivalries between candidates, and conflicts between tribes.

A total of 19,000 checkpoints were deployed in the Cordillera to enforce the election gun ban, which led to the arrest of three individuals.

The election gun ban is scheduled to be enforced starting January 12, 2025, and will last until June 11, 2025.

**JOSE ROBERT INVENTOR