Comelec to hold May 12 elections near Mt. Bulusan despite phreatic eruption

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is not considering postponing the May 12 midterm elections in areas near Mt. Bulusan, despite the recent phreatic eruption.

Comelec chief George Erwin Garcia assured that local election officers have been instructed to coordinate with DepEd, LGUs, and PHIVOLCS for contingency planning if volcanic activity escalates.

Garcia emphasized that satellite voting centers may be set up in evacuation centers if necessary, though there are currently no reported forced evacuations in the affected municipalities of Irosin, Juban, and Bulusan.

Comelec remains vigilant and is exploring ways to facilitate voting for displaced residents should further volcanic activity disrupt normal election operations.

The Comelec aims to formalize an agreement with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) to enhance coordination and assistance in affected areas, ensuring that elections proceed on May 12 unless there are compelling reasons such as violence or destruction of election materials.

Alert Level 3 remains active over Mt. Kanlaon Volcano, indicating a high level of volcanic unrest with potential hazards.