Comelec probes replacement of trained poll workers in Cotabato City

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is investigating reports of trained poll workers being replaced in Cotabato City.

Cotabato City Mayor Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi stated that teachers trained in operating vote-counting machines (VCMs) were replaced with untrained individuals, some being Islamic teachers (Ustadz).

This replacement led to a walkout by the teachers during the final testing and sealing of VCMs on May 5.

Hundreds of these teachers have yet to receive their formal appointments from Comelec, with some leaving the Comelec office exhausted and hungry without serving.

Eusoph Kari and Sarapia Talapas assumed office as the new city election officer and Cotabato City Schools Division superintendent, respectively, on May 5.

Comelec Commissioner George Garcia confirmed the poll body is working to resolve the issue and stands by its policy that electoral board members must be trained.