SAFELY STORED. Teachers of Pagatpat Elementary School, Cagayan de Oro City carry a vote counting machine after it was tested and sealed on Saturday (May 7, 2022). The local chapter of the National Citizens' Movement for Free Elections observed that the procedure was generally smooth, save for some minor technical issues. (PNA photo by Nef Luczon)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The National Citizens' Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) on Sunday said vote counting machines (VCMs) here and in the entire Misamis Oriental are generally functional and their minor issues already resolved.
Nestor Banauag Jr., Namfrel focal person, said that based on their assessment, nothing will affect the elections on Monday.
"There are some technical concerns on how to operate the VCMs because there are parts in the procedure that they familiarized with only on the day of final testing and sealing (FTS). But it has already been resolved," he said in an interview.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) here trained 1,064 public school teachers who will serve on Electoral Boards (EBs) to accommodate 327,000 registered voters.
Banauag, however, noted slow internet signal in the hinterland precincts,
The election watchdog has about 350 volunteer members in the province.
EB members likewise reported no major issues in the FTS of machines on Friday.
Estrella Mari of Pedro N. Roa Sr. Elementary School, said in an interview that their FTS experience did not encounter technical issues.
"The batteries are ready. Hopefully, there will be no issues on the day of the election," she told the Philippine News Agency.
Leo Tan III of Manolo Fortich National High School in Bukidnon province said backup batteries are up and running for the nine precincts that they will cover.
Backup batteries last for an average of 18 hours.
In Lanao del Sur, EB chair Hanifah Pandapatan Ampuan of Marawi Central Elementary Pilot School said they are ready to serve 79,244 registered voters in Marawi City. (PNA)
