GENERAL SANTOS CITY (PIA) — The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) in General Santos City has announced that it will implement for the first time the early voting hours from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. exclusively for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women on May 12 national and local elections.
The usual and regular voting hours remain from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Lawyer Sittie Sharmaine Papandayan-Garangan clarified that members of vulnerable sectors who are unable to vote during their designated time slots will still be permitted to cast their ballots during regular voting hours.
Moreover, she emphasized that vulnerable sectors will continue to have access to special lanes, as mandated by law, during the episode of the Kapihan sa PIA 12 on May 5 at SM City General Santos.
To alleviate public concerns regarding power fluctuations, Garangan assured that Socoteco 2, the local electric cooperative, has committed to ensuring “no power outages” on election day.
“They committed to ensuring there will be no unnecessary, unscheduled, or scheduled power interruptions a week before and after election day,” she said, adding that standby teams from Socoteco 2 will address any unexpected issues.
Garagan assured voters that all systems are now in place to ensure a smooth, secure, and uninterrupted polling process for the upcoming elections.
On Wednesday, May 7, Comelec conducted the final testing and sealing (FTS) of the automated counting machines (ACM) and deployed all other automated election systems equipment to the 55 voting centers throughout the city.
The official said that Comelec has allocated 425 ACMs and an additional 60 contingency units for the city’s 368,454 registered voters, expressing confidence in a smooth electoral process across all polling centers.
We also hope to finish counting the votes on May 12, she told the local press.
The official also expressed gratitude to their partners and stakeholders for their active support in disseminating relevant information, stating, “The success of our city’s election and the safe, orderly conduct of the elections is not just the responsibility of the Comelec; this is our responsibility—us, Comelec, all our election partners, stakeholders, the media, and all citizens.”
Meanwhile, General Santos City Police Office (GSCPO) director, Police Col. Nicomedes P. Olaivar Jr., confirmed the deployment of at least 1,500 security personnel. This contingent includes 1,200 city police officers, 100 members of the coast guard, 95 military personnel from Task Force Gensan, 12 maritime officers, and additional reinforcements from the regional headquarters.
“Meron tayong naka-assign na security para sa ating mga ballot boxes, voting machines, treasurer’s office, at COMELEC office,” Olaivar said.
(We have security assigned for our ballot boxes, voting machines, treasurer’s office, and COMELEC office.)
Olaivar emphasized that regular police operations will remain unaffected on election day. Police operations will continue to monitor public areas such as malls, ports, and airports, in addition to ongoing anti-drug and manhunt efforts.
Additionally, Task Force Gensan operations officer Capt. Elton M. Ado detailed additional security measures, emphasizing the deployment of personnel to polling precincts, mobile Quick Reaction Forces, and border checkpoints to ensure public safety and facilitate the smooth conduct of elections.
He said that their role is to support the police force. (SRMP, PIA SarGen)
