The Commission on Elections in the Negros Island Region is bracing for a worst-case scenario in the event of a “major” eruption of Mt. Kanlaon, which could disrupt the May 2025 elections in high-risk areas of Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental.
Comelec-NIR Regional Election Director Lionel Marco Castillano on Monday emphasized their readiness to respond to the situation.
He said the Comelec has previously experienced a similar situation where an election had to be postponed due to “force majeur”, citing the Marawi and Zamboanga sieges.
If the current conditions prevail or worsen by the time of the election next year, and “rehabilitation will not be possible, then there will be a postponement,” he said in an interview with the media.
Castillano explained that under the Omnibus Election Code, postponements are allowed within 30 days from the cessation of the force majeure.
For now, Castillano said he has directed the election officers in the areas affected by the Dec. 9 volcanic eruption to secure the automated counting machines and the Comelec offices.
Many areas in NIR affected by the Dec. 9 eruption include Canlaon City in Negros Oriental and La Castellana, La Carlota City, and Bago City in Negros Occidental.
With the evacuation of thousands of residents from the six-km. Permanent Danger Zone, many schools previously designated as voting centers are now housing evacuees.
“We were given the impression that with a major eruption, and if Alert Level 4 is raised, there will be a 16-km. radius evacuation of residents,” Castillano noted, highlighting the potential displacement of even more voters.
Comelec is exploring alternative options, such as clustered voting centers at evacuation sites, to ensure displaced individuals can exercise their right to vote.
Castillano noted that the situation is still fluid, and nobody can predict when a major eruption will happen.
He, however, said contingency plans are in place.
The Comelec is closely coordinating with the Office of Civil Defense, a “crucial partner” in times of disaster, he said. (Judy F. Partlow/PNA)
