MANILA, (PNA) — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) might suspend the holding of the forthcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan in some barangays under two districts in Zamboanga City.
“The worst case scenario is we already discussed the issue if it will be prolonged depending on the destruction caused in Zamboanga City then we may have to postpone election there if its impossible to conduct it in certain areas or certain barangays only,” Comelec Commissioner Christian Robert Lim told a press briefing.
He added, “Ang concern namin ngayon is we received a lot of reports na na-burned daw ‘yung schools so ‘yung preparations kung saan ‘yung replacement ng voting center. If we could not find a replacement ng voting centers that will definitely affect our decision to hold elections.”
Lim said they already made a request with the Philippine National Police to give them an idea on the situation in the said city.
On the other hand, Commissioner Grace Padaca said that they will discuss what they would do in areas affected by the conflict.
“Even if the situation will end soon, meron na tayong kailangan na i-consider in the affected barangays, voting centers have been burned and voters have been displaced, so ito ‘yung siguro I-factor in natin pagdating nung desisyon on Barangay elections in these areas,” she added.
The poll body official noted that they expect to get more details regarding the damage and the peace and order condition in their area when they meet with their regional directors next week.