Comelec completes ACM deployment in CAR, deploys 'Starlink' for internet access

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) announced that the deployment of automated counting machines (ACMs) and election paraphernalia was completed on Wednesday, May 7.

Final testing and sealing (FTS) of ACMs in all provincial election offices has been concluded to ensure timely delivery to polling centers across the region’s 1,442 voting centers.

Comelec regional director Julius Torres assured that teachers are ready for their roles as members of electoral boards, with trained police officers available as backup if needed, but expressed confidence that no one will back out at the last minute.

Over 184 police personnel have been deployed to support election security and serve as special electoral board members in case of teacher unavailability.

Torres emphasized that Comelec is closely monitoring the situation across CAR to ensure a safe voting environment on May 12, with additional 'Starlink' kits providing internet connectivity to 45 municipalities lacking data or internet connection.

In Kalinga, ongoing talks between warring tribes aim to prevent any disruptions to the elections, with support from the Armed Forces of the Philippines.