Members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Navy were heavily guarding a voting center in Pasay City on Monday amid reports of alleged 1,500 “flying voters.”
A total of 21,200 residents from 30 barangays (villages) are expected to cast their votes at Padre Zamora Elementary School.
Government forces were closely guarding the polling center because one of the barangays in the city, Barangay 97, is a known election hotspot.
Pasay Comelec officer for second district Ramon Rosello said he placed Barangay 97 on election watch list amid reports of some 1,500 alleged flying voters.
A volunteer from the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) told INQUIRER.net that alleged flying voting incidents were prevalent.
“We are waiting for an election officer from Comelec to clarify the guidelines on flying voters,” a volunteer, who asked not to be named, said.
The volunteer said Comelec’s list of voters and certain lists by appointed poll watchers do not match.
The PPCRV coordinator at the school declined to speak to INQUIRER.net, citing guidelines from the Catholic church-based election watchdog.
Common problems in the voting center were long queues and the lack of a voting precinct dedicated for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWD).
Celio Balabas, 63, uses a wheelchair to move around. He said it was difficult to enter the campus, noting the tight security.
“It was difficult for me to move around but with the help of volunteers and my friends, I was able to vote. It’s hard but I was able to exercise my right,” he told INQUIRER.net.
Some PWDS finally voted as of 8:30 a.m. with assistance from PPCRV and barangay volunteers.
Some barangays offered voting assistance and provided light snacks and bottled water for voters. /je