Fire hits Abra elementary school, voting to push through

A fire significantly damaged Dangdangla Elementary School in Bangued, Abra, destroying four buildings with seven classrooms.

Despite the fire, which officials are investigating, potentially as arson, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Department of Education (DepEd) are ensuring voting proceeds at the location.

Three unaffected classrooms will serve as voting precincts for approximately 900 individuals, with the community assisting in clean-up efforts for voter safety.

The blaze also destroyed school property including eight laptops, 13 television sets, two projectors, and learning materials.

Comelec chairman George Garcia confirmed that voting would not be transferred to maintain voter confidence and assured residents of peace and order.

The Automated Counting Machines (ACMs) for the affected precinct will be escorted back to the school, and power restoration is underway for the designated voting areas.