- Comelec XI: Ballot boxes stored at DCPO for safekeeping due to lack of storage
THE COMMISSION on Elections (Comelec) XI clarified on Thursday that ballot boxes delivered to the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) headquarters are being stored there for safekeeping, citing a lack of suitable storage facilities.
Comelec XI assistant regional director Atty. Gay Enumerables told TIMES in a message on Thursday that the DCPO offered its facilities after the Davao City Election Office reported storage challenges.
In previous elections, ballot boxes and VCMs were stored at the Davao City Recreation Center under the custody of the City Treasurer’s office.
“Wala pong storage area ang Davao City. Nag offer ang DCPO na dun na lang sa kanila kasi may bakante silang storage, and better kasi well guarded doon. (Davao City has no storage area. The DCPO offered their vacant storage space, which is preferable due to its secure environment),” Enumerables said.
When asked if other offices had offered storage, she replied, “Wala po. And mahirap makahanap ng malaking storage area kasi madami po ang ballot boxes and malalaki (None. It’s difficult to find a large storage area as the ballot boxes are numerous and bulky).”
DCPO spokesperson Capt. Hazel Tuazon confirmed in a separate interview that the ballot boxes arrived at the headquarters around 8:35 a.m. on Thursday.
She explained that the Davao City Election Office requested the use of a hall at the DCPO due to their storage constraints, a problem raised during a Joint Security Council Coordinating (JSCC) meeting.
“The city director toured the election officers at the DCPO, and they identified a hall suitable for temporary storage,” Tuazon said.
Enumerables added that they are awaiting the arrival of additional election paraphernalia, including voting machines and other election supplies.
The Comelec also appealed to registered voters to receive their distributed Voter’s Information Sheets (VIS), emphasizing their importance for the upcoming elections. The VIS contains essential details, including precinct numbers, candidate lists, voting procedures, and polling place locations.
Enumerables stated that some voters are reluctant to receive the VIS, citing concerns that their signatures might be used in impeachment proceedings related to Vice President Sara Duterte.
