CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — A total of 173 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) voted in the country’s first special polling precinct, established inside the Cagayan de Oro City Jail-Male Dormitory on May 12.
City Jail Warden Marlon Ymballa discussed the significance of this development during the Lambo Dyes radio program, May 16.
“Since 2010, nagkaroon na ng election inside the jail facilities, but only during those times nilalabas pa namin ang mga PDLs, so ngayon since nagkaroon na nga ng mass registration sa BJMP (Bureau of Jail Management and Penology) facilities, so mas minabuti namin na magkaroon ng special polling precinct as approved by the Commission on Elections (Comelec),” he said.
(Since 2010, elections have already been conducted inside jail facilities, but during those times, we were still bringing out the PDLs. Now that there is mass registration in BJMP facilities, we deemed it better to establish a special polling precinct, as approved by the Commission on Elections.)
He said that voting inside the facility reduces the discomfort and vulnerability felt by detainees. “Minsan gusto nilang bumoto pero pag lumabas sila, nakaposas naman sila so nahihiya sila,” Ymballa added.
(Sometimes, they want to vote, but when they go out, they are in handcuffs, so they feel embarrassed.)
To ensure security, the BJMP placed the jail on red alert status on election day. Civilian participants, including election officials, observers, and support staff, were protected while all regular activities in the facility were suspended.
“Sinisigurado namin since meron kaming mga civilian na papasok sa aming facility, just like the election board, DESO (Department of Education Supervisor Official), same as with the poll watchers at saka sa mga observers, sinisigurado namin ang kanilang safety. During those times, sinuspende muna namin ‘yung lahat ng activities,” he said.
(We make sure, since we have civilians entering our facility, such as the election board, DESO, poll watchers, and observers. We ensure their safety. During those times, we suspend all other activities.)
Ymballa also acknowledged logistical challenges, especially in retrieving ballots from regular precincts across the two districts the city jail serves. He said BJMP personnel started operations at 3:30 a.m., and polling proceeded without issue.
The BJMP partnered with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) and welfare officers to provide voter education to PDLs.
Eligible voters included detainees with ongoing trials, those serving one-year sentences or less, and individuals with pending appeals.
Ymballa emphasized that the special precinct helped advance PDLs’ electoral participation and highlighted the commitment of the BJMP and Comelec to uphold democratic rights for all Filipinos. (RTP/PIA-10)
