Do not postpone the May 12 elections in areas affected by Kanlaon Volcano even if Alert Level 3 of 4 are raised.
That is the order of Commission on Elections Chairman George Erwin Garcia, Regional Director Lionel Marco Castillano of the Comelec Negros Island Region, said on Monday, Jan. 6.
Garcia wants a contingency plan in place to ensure that the elections are not delayed even if another eruption occurs, Castillano said.
It the elections in the Kanlaon affected areas are postponed, the proclamation of the winning candidates for the Senate and party list by the National Board of Canvassers would be delayed, Garcia pointed out.
“Our chairman wants us to be prepared. So that in case Kanlaon really blows up, we can still have an election. There is no need to postpone the election” Castillano said.
Castillano said they plan to bring polling centers to evacuation camps to ensure that the evacuees can vote.
The Regional Joint Security Control Center (RJSCC) will convene with the Office of the Civil Defense regional director on Saturday, Jan. 11, to discuss the election contingency plan.
Meanwhile, no Police Regional Office Director for the Negros Island Region has been appointed yet, Castillano said.
Gen. Rogelio Simon, Executive Officer of the Area Police Command of the Visayas, will represent the PNP on the RJSCC, Castillano said.*