BY: CHARLES NIKKO LIMON
Amid treacherous trails, swollen rivers, and hours of walking through remote terrain, teachers and police officers in the Cordillera region risked their safety to ensure the successful delivery of election returns following the recent elections.
In the town of Calanasan, Apayao, election board officials had to secure ballot boxes with ropes and bamboo to cross strong river currents on foot.
The journey involved a seven-hour trek across rugged mountain paths and water crossings due to the lack of roads.
Police Captain Elijanuren Marcos A. Paloy, acting chief of Calanasan police, said the trail was extremely challenging, especially with portions that required wading through rivers.
To avoid rain delays, teams set out before dawn.
Despite exhaustion, teachers remained careful, some even clutching onto floating tree branches just to cross rushing rivers.
In Barangay Macalino, Calanasan, teachers and police endured a 1.5-hour walk and nearly two hours of rowing to transport the returns.
Heavy rains posed additional challenges as river waters rose rapidly, but officers ensured safety by equipping the teams with life vests.
Despite the conditions, all ballot boxes reached the Municipal Board of Canvassers safely.
Meanwhile, in Kabugao, Apayao, election materials were transported by boat to four remote barangays.
A similar experience was recorded during the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections in Sitio Talipugo, Lacub, Abra.
This year, however, helicopter assistance was used to airlift returns directly to the municipal board after the elections, improving safety and efficiency.
These efforts underscore the commitment of teachers and police to uphold democracy, even in the country’s most inaccessible areas.
