All prep set for 2.8-million voters in Northern Mindanao

ALL preparations have been made by the government and non-government entities for the May 13 midterm national and local elections, as 2.8 million people set to vote in Northern Mindanao.

In a recent statistics provided by the Commission on Elections (Comelec), Misamis Oriental province has an approximate number of registered voters of 969,388; Cagayan de Oro City has 345,358.

Meanwhile, the City Comelec over the weekend said there will be no extension on the voting time, Monday, May 13.

City Comelec officer Ramil Acol said polling precincts will open at 6:00 a.m. and will close at 6:00 p.m.

Acol said the Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs) will only accommodate voters who are in queue before the voting is close.

"At 6 p.m. if duna pa maglinya kuhaon names tanan then e-accomodate until mahurot ang naa sa list,” Acol said.

The Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (Cocpo) also reminded voters not to sell their votes to candidates.

Cocpo spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mardy Hortillosa II said they are validating reports on vote buying in the city.

He said once authorities have confirmed the information and obtained sufficient proof, they would make those involved in the vote buying answerable in court.

Police and military personnel held a motorcade over the weekend to campaign against vote buying.

"Reminders nato sa mga voters nga dili gyud ibaligya ilang mga boto," Hortillosa said.

Prior to the caravan, police have initiated a simulation exercise on bombing scenario. It was participated by security enforcers, disaster office and other line agencies.

"Gibuhat nato ni isip pag pangandam in case naay mahitabo sa election,” he added.

Hortillosa also reminds the public that the liquor ban will take effect from 12:01 a.m. of May 12 until 12:00 midnight of May 13.

He said establishments are not allowed to sell alcoholic beverages within 48 hours except those business entities accredited by the Department of Tourism.