The Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5) on Tuesday inspected automated counting machines (ACMs) that will be used for the national and local elections on May 12.

In an interview with media practitioners, Comelec Bicol Director Maria Juana Valeza said more than 6,000 ACMs will be deployed across the Bicol Region.

“As of now, 2,000 units have already been secured in the warehouse (in this city),” she said.

Valeza said the ACMs are upgraded versions of the ones used in the past, with the new units having the capacity that allows voters to view a scanned image of their ballots, enabling them to verify their votes before final submission.

While the machines aim to streamline the voting and counting processes, election boards and poll watchers will continue to manually monitor the proceedings to ensure transparency and accuracy, she said.

The PRO-5 will provide security to ensure the machines are well-maintained and ready for use, she added.

Deployment of troops

During the day, PRO-5 Director Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon led the send-off ceremony at the PRO-5 Grandstand in Camp BGen Simeon A. Ola for the 100 policemen being deployed to the province of Masbate to support local law enforcement in election-related duties.

The personnel come from various units within PRO-5, including the Regional Community Affairs and Development Division (RCADD), the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 5 (RMFB5), the Legazpi City Police Station, the Albay Police Provincial Office, the Camarines Sur Police Provincial Office, and the Naga City Police Office.

“You are not just being sent off as police officers. You are being deployed as guardians of democracy, defenders of peace, and symbols of hope. The public looks to you not only for protection but also for assurance that the democratic process will proceed without fear, intimidation, or violence,” Dizon said.

The Masbate Police Provincial Office (PPO), in coordination with the Comelec, will conduct a risk assessment to identify specific areas for the deployed personnel. (PNA)