The Commission on Elections in Negros Island Region (Comelec-NIR) is bracing for a worst-case scenario in case of a “major” eruption of Mount Kanlaon, which could disrupt the May 2025 elections in high-risk areas of Negros.
Comelec-NIR regional election director Lionel Marco Castillano emphasized their readiness to respond to the situation.
He said the Comelec has previously experienced a similar situation when an election had to be postponed due to “force majeure”, citing the Marawi and Zamboanga sieges.
If the current conditions prevail or worsen by the time of the election next year and “rehabilitation will not be possible, then there will be a postponement,” he said in an interview with the Philippine News Agency.
Castillano explained that under the Omnibus Election Code, postponements are allowed within 30 days from the cessation of the force majeure.
For now, Castillano said he has directed the election officers in areas affected by the Dec. 9 volcanic eruption to secure the automated counting machines (ACMs) and the Comelec offices.
NIR areas affected by last week’s eruption include Canlaon City in Negros Oriental, and La Castellana, La Carlota City, and Bago City in Negros Occidental.
With the evacuation of thousands of residents from the 6-km. permanent danger zone, many schools previously designated as voting centers are now housing evacuees.
“We were given the impression that with a major eruption, and if Alert Level 4 is raised, there will be a 16-km. radius evacuation of residents,” Castillano noted, highlighting the potential displacement of even more voters.
Comelec is exploring alternative options, such as clustered voting centers at evacuation sites, to ensure that displaced individuals can exercise their right to vote, he said.
Castillano noted that the situation is fluid, and nobody can predict when a major eruption would occur. He, however, said that contingency plans are in place. ||
