THE site survey conducted by Smartmatic-TIM is almost done as it touches the 93 percent mark.
Smartmatic-TIM spokesperson Gene Gregorio told reporters that they might be able to complete the survey by Wednesday or Thursday of next week.
Site survey is done to ensure a smooth transmission of election data by identifying areas with and without cellular phone signals.
Meanwhile, Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal said the site surveyors are having concerns in terms of security.
He added that they have already asked a list from Smartmatic-TIM identifying which areas would these surveyors need security.
“In some areas, their site surveyors were not able to conduct a site survey or there was a delay because of concerns in security. We informed Smartmatic-TIM, if you have a problem with security you tell us so we can inform the PNP and AFP to provide you security,” Larrazabal said.
According to the Smartmatic-TIM official, some areas in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (Armm) have been identified as those with security concerns.
In Maguindanao, where the recent killing of 57 people took place, the site survey is 75 percent complete.
Gregorio said that the state of emergency declared in the Maguindanao area has helped their team in performing their duties.
Outside the Armm area, some New People’s Army (NPA) rebels have been asking payment from the surveyors, but Gregorio did not elaborate further.
“Sa ibang areas, these are not Mindanao-related, in other NPA areas, nagpapahiwatig sila... They told the surveyors that they need to cooperate so that they can continue to do their job there,” said Gregorio.
Larrazabal assured that they will be able to fix all the concerns and problems in preparation for the 2010 polls. (Kathrina Alvarez/Sunnex)