The Commission on Elections (Comelec) reported that election security and ballot transport during Saturday’s special election in Antipolo City’s second district proceeded without incident, ensuring the integrity of the vote-counting process.
Comelec Chairman George Garcia said strict protocols were implemented to guarantee the safe and simultaneous transport of ballots and election results from individual precincts to the city’s canvassing centers.
“All Election Returns were collected and sealed with paper seals to prevent any tampering,” he noted, adding that no incidents of lost or compromised ballots were reported.
The measures included coordinated departures from precincts, with teachers and electoral staff accompanied by security personnel to safeguard ballots throughout the journey to canvassing centers.
Garcia emphasized that the system was designed to prevent mishandling or unauthorized access, ensuring transparency and accountability.
“These procedures were part of our commitment to maintain the highest standards of election integrity,” Garcia said.
He also confirmed that the meticulous handling of ballots contributed to the smooth conduct of the manual election, even in precincts located far from the city center.
The Comelec chairman assured the public that all election paraphernalia, including ballots and Election Returns, were properly accounted for and delivered on time.