AMID the persistent threat of interference from China, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) yesterday said they do not see any threat in the conduct of the October 30 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) in the municipality of Kalayaan in Palawan.
In a joint press conference, Comelec chairman George Garcia and PCG Commandant Admiral Artemio Abu both expressed confidence that preparations will continue, and the elections will proceed in the municipality located in the disputed Spratly Islands.
“We are not seeing any problem when it comes to the distribution and shipment of election paraphernalia there,” said Garcia.
“From our end, we are not yet seeing any potential threat, as of the moment,” said Abu.
In case trouble arises in the deployment of the official ballots and other election paraphernalia, the PCG chief assured they are prepared to address the matter.
“We are ready for any unforeseen events. If problem arises, we will act accordingly,” said Abu.
Given the assurance from the PCG, Garcia said they are confident of successfully conducting the barangay and youth polls on October 30 in the municipality.
“If there are 600 voters there, all of them will be able to vote,” said Garcia.
The statement was issued amid the continued presence of Chinese vessels in the disputed waters that are within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
It also comes as Chinese rubber boats continuously patrol the areas and prevent Filipino fishermen from fishing in the said waters.
