LAWYER Israelito Torreon voiced concerns regarding the handling of election paraphernalia in the lead-up to the May 12 elections.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the green rally in support of former President Rodrigo Duterte at Rizal Park on Sunday night, Torreon emphasized the need for greater security. “It is simply not right to place election paraphernalia just anywhere without proper PNP (Philippine National Police) presence or security. That opens it up to all possibilities,” he stated.
Torreon further added, “They should already know that the people have doubts about the system. They should be careful in the transmission of the election paraphernalia they are handling.”
Torreon’s remarks come in the wake of a logistical issue involving election materials intended for Davao City.
On Monday morning, April 7, 2025, 37 boxes containing Starlink kits and solar panels arrived at the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) at 9 a.m.
This followed a convoluted journey that saw the materials travel from a private storage facility in Buhangin to Tagum City and back.
The 37 boxes were part of a larger discovery of 340 units found at a private residence in Dumanlas last Friday afternoon, April 4.
This initial discovery ignited public concern and media scrutiny regarding the appropriateness and security of storing sensitive election materials in a private location.
Following the uproar, the 37 boxes specifically allocated for Davao City were transported to Tagum City early Sunday morning, April 6.
However, a subsequent directive from the Comelec (Commission on Elections) Central Office clarified that Davao City was their intended destination. Consequently, the materials were returned and are now under the custody of the DCPO.
The incident has fueled discussions about the transparency and security protocols surrounding the handling of election materials, particularly among supporters of the former president who attended the Sunday night rally.
Torreon’s statements reflect a broader sentiment of distrust and a call for stricter measures to safeguard the integrity of the upcoming elections.
