Voting for the midterm elections will proceed as planned despite the challenges posed by Mount Kanlaon’s ongoing unrest in Western Visayas, according to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD)
“The vote of every citizen is vital. Even during calamities, we cannot allow voting to be hindered. We must be prepared and ensure the integrity of the election process,” OCD Administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno said in a statement Thursday night.
Nepomuceno gave this assurance following the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the OCD and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) at the Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol.
The agreement aims to bolster disaster preparedness and ensure the safe conduct of elections and continuity of public services despite the risks.
The MOA outlines key measures, including mapping evacuation routes for polling stations, establishing incident command posts during elections, and considering the deputization of OCD personnel to support election security in high-risk areas.
Both agencies have committed to sharing data and developing contingency plans to minimize disruptions and ensure the safety of voters and election workers.
“Currently, the Philippines ranks at the top of the World Risk Index. That is a warning that we must always be ready. Our government, along with 41 agencies in the NDRRMC (National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council) under the strong leadership of Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., and local government units, are working tirelessly to keep our elections safe and meaningful,” Nepomuceno said.
He described the partnership between OCD and Comelec as a critical initiative to protect democratic processes.
Nepomuceno also highlighted the government’s proactive measures, referencing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s recent executive order establishing the National Task Force for Kanlaon.
“This order formalizes the entire effort to manage risks and respond effectively. We are grateful for this support as we prepare for the upcoming elections,” he added.