Comelec: ‘Database secure despite ‘Kristine’ onslaught’

By Connie Calipay

LEGAZPI CITY --- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) 5 (Bicol) assured the public that all pertinent documents on the preparations for the national and local elections (NLE) 2025 are all secure despite the havoc wrought by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name Trami).

In an interview on Monday, Maria Juana Valeza, Comelec-5 director, said some voters’ registration machines were damaged but luckily, we were able to safely keep properly and salvage our backup files.”

She said requested assistance from their central office to replace all damaged office computers as soon as possible so as not to incur delays in preparations for the mid-term elections.

The Comelec offices that incurred damages were those in Libon, Oas in Albay; Gainza, Milaor, Minalabac, Camaligan, Bato, and Iriga City in Camarines Sur.

Valeza said a total of eight laptops, 11 printers, nine uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), six automatic voltage regulators (AVRs), and six scanners were also requested for replacement.

“Office supplies, tables, and chairs for temporary use were also requested,” she added.

Valeza also thanked Comelec officials for the relief items that were recently delivered to Bicol for their employees affected by “Kristine”.

“The relief goods came from contributions of the Comelec chairman and senior staff, purchase of rice and goods not charged from government funds. After the flood, field offices from various regions sent financial assistance to us. We were able to raise more than PHP420,000. Thank you so much for your support and care for Bicol,” she said. (PNA)

ASSISTANCE. A truck carrying relief goods arrives in Albay from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) central office in Manila on Thursday (Oct. 31, 2024). The assistance will be distributed to employees affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine in Bicol. (Photo courtesy of RD Jane Valeza)