Negros Oriental Provincial Police Officer Col. Germano Mallari and Lawyer Lionel Marco Castillano, Comelec-Negros Oriental provincial election supervisor-designated. (PNA file photo by Judy F. Partlow)
DUMAGUETE CITY – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Negros Oriental on Wednesday thanked government agencies, the private sector, political candidates, and the general public for their cooperation and support that led to the successful local and national elections.
“There was no failure of elections, not even in one precinct, and despite minor problems and shooting incidents reported during the election period, these did not disrupt the conduct of the polls,” lawyer Lionel Marco Castillano, Comelec-Negros Oriental provincial election supervisor-designate told the Philippine News Agency.
Castillano said 14 vote counting machines malfunctioned on election day but were immediately replaced with contingency units while some SD (secure digital) cards also experienced problems but were fixed right away.
While there was no official announcement of Negros Oriental having at least nine election areas of concern under the highest "red" category, the Provincial Joint Security Control Center (PJSCC) had come up with a security plan that would ensure the safety of the people, he said.
Personnel from the Philippine Army, the Philippine National Police, the Philippine Coast Guard, and the Bureau of Fire Protection were deployed on election day, even as security forces were already stationed in the so-called election areas of concern.
Castillano said aside from uniformed men, the security forces also had on stand-by air, ground, and sea assets to prevent violence from erupting due to intense political rivalry, he said.
“I have not received any reports of such manipulative actions and I am happy that an estimated 84 percent turnout of voters was reported on election day,” he said.
He also cited the teachers for carrying out their duties during the polls, and the volunteers of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting and the Diocesan Electoral Board for being the “extension” of the Comelec on voter’s education and poll-watching.
“The successful elections in Negros Oriental are attributed to a united effort of all to make this province what it is, a peaceful one,” he said.
He also called on all candidates and their supporters to start taking down their campaign posters, tarpaulins, and other materials now that the elections are over.
The Provincial Board of Canvassers officially adjourned before midnight on Tuesday, he said. (PNA)
