PROMINENT environment advocate and non-government organization (NGO) worker Maria Victoria “Mags” Maglana raised concern over the discovery of Starlink devices and solar panels inside a residence in Buhangin, Davao City, saying that it casts doubt on the integrity of the upcoming elections.
Maglana, who is running for the first congressional district representative of Davao City, urged the Commission on Elections (Comelec), candidates, supporters, media, academe, voters, and other institutions to take action to ensure that the May 12, 2025 elections will be “honest, orderly, peaceful, free, and credible.”
“There is a growing apprehension that the exercise of the people’s right to freely choose their elective officials is at risk, particularly in areas such as the Davao Region,” she said on April 5, 2025.
She expressed that although the election body has conducted important steps such as candidates briefing, Operation Baklas, and other measures, the discovery of the election paraphernalia raises issues on the reliability of the system.
Maglana also highlighted concerns about negative election-related practices such as vote buying, political arm-twisting, abuse of state resources, and preferential or unfair treatment as it will further erode the confidence of the public which would lead to the election and its results being contested.
She said the sustained involvement of everyone is needed so that the Panata para sa Ligtas, Tapat, Maayos, Mapayapa, Makatotohanan, at Makatarungang Halalan, which was signed by the political candidates of Davao City on March 26, would be brought to life. This would also include the Comelec, performing their Constitutional mandate, and to all the voters through staying observant and vigilant.
According to a report, the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) discovered election-related paraphernalia inside a house during an inspection at Purok Santo Niño, Dumanlas, Buhangin. The homeowner claimed a relative involved in a project had asked to temporarily store the items at the residence.
Comelec, in a statement, said it found no irregularities with the presence of the materials.
However, Comelec-Davao Region clarified that iOne Resources, a provider of Starlink satellite kits and solar panels, had not coordinated with their office regarding the storage. While confirming the legitimacy of iOne JV, the agency noted that the use of an unapproved storage site was a misstep. RGP