Poll watcher sa Marawi, binuhusan ng tubig Automated Counting Machine; Botohan sa presinto, natigil

- A poll watcher in Marawi poured water on the Automated Counting Machine (ACM), damaging the device

- The ACM is used to scan the ballot of the voters after shading the circle beside the name of chosen candidates

- The act of the said poll watcher damaged the machine, temporarily halting the voting process in the said precint in Marawi

- The incident raised concerns about election integrity in a designated “red area,” which include the City of Marawi

The 2025 elections in Marawi City, already designated as a red area by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), experienced a significant disruption on Monday, May 12, when a poll watcher allegedly doused water on an automated counting machine (ACM), rendering it unusable.

The incident occurred at a polling precinct serving evacuees from the 2017 Marawi siege in Barangays West Marinaut and Sagonsongan, temporarily halting the casting of ballots.

According to initial reports, the poll watcher fled the scene immediately after damaging the ACM.

Marawi City Police personnel responded to the polling precinct following the incident. A COMELEC technician confirmed the damage, necessitating a replacement machine.

While the disruption caused a delay in voting, a replacement ACM was eventually delivered, allowing the process to resume after a brief pause.

The motivation behind the poll watcher’s actions remains unclear. Authorities have launched an investigation to identify the individual and determine the reason for the alleged sabotage.

The incident raises concerns about potential attempts to undermine the electoral process in a region historically plagued by election-related violence and security challenges.

The damaged ACM was one of several assigned to combined polling precincts catering to Marawi siege evacuees.

The incident underscores the vulnerability of election equipment and the potential for disruptions, even with security measures in place.

COMELEC had previously deployed contingency ACMs to Lanao del Sur, with one backup machine for every operating ACM, demonstrating an awareness of the risks in the area.

This incident is not isolated. Reports indicate that the 2025 elections in Marawi City have been marred by other disturbances, including riots and fistfights between supporters of rival local candidates.

Police were forced to intervene to secure polling centers amidst the unrest. These events underscore the tense political climate in Marawi and the challenges faced by authorities in ensuring a peaceful and credible election.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) had previously acknowledged receiving reports of threats to disrupt the polls in Marawi and had intensified patrolling and coordination with the Philippine Army.

Past elections in the city have been marred by violence, including shootings and the use of explosives, stemming from intense political rivalries.

The presence of remnants of the Maute group, responsible for the 2017 siege, also adds to the security concerns.

The COMELEC has emphasized the importance of ensuring the integrity of the voting process, particularly in areas like Marawi.

They have implemented measures to prevent electoral fraud, including strict guidelines on ballot handling and replacement.

However, incidents like the damaged ACM highlight the difficulties in safeguarding the election from deliberate acts of sabotage.

The investigation into the Marawi incident is ongoing, and the outcome could have significant implications for the credibility of the election results in the region.

News, photos or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, such could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable.

In other news, First Lady Liza Marcos, along with his sons, including Rep. Sandro Marcos, came to the voting precinct early on May 12 to cast their votes. The first family voted at the Calayab Elementary School in Ilocos Norte. They could be seen lining up outside a classroom, together with the rest of the voters. President Bongbong Marcos also arrived at the precinct with his family, along with former First Lady Imelda Marcos.

Still in other news, two individuals were killed and seven others were injured after Barangay Lantad Chairman Arnie Benedicto and two companions allegedly opened fire without provocation in Barangay Mambulac on May 12. Authorities have identified Benedicto as one of the suspects and initiated pursuit operations, setting up checkpoints and deploying the Quick Reaction Team to assist in the manhunt, as per Manila Bulletin. PRO-NIR has mobilized additional police forces and assigned a legal officer to support case buildup, ensuring public safety and a peaceful election process. PRO-NIR chief Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay and Mayor Joedith Gallego strongly condemned the incident, calling for justice, calm, and respect during this critical time.

Source: KAMI.com.gh