Elections to persist amidst volcanic threat from Kanlaon

In the even of an eruption, polls in Mt. Kanlaon's vicinity won't falter.

Gearing up for elections amidst the looming volcanic unrest on Negros Island, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chief, George Erwin Garcia, emphasized that the show must go on. During the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) at the Bacolod City's Capitol's social hall, Garcia affirmed, "Walang failure of elections kahit pumutok pa ang bulkan (No failure of elections even if the volcano will erupt)" [Press Conference].

"At all costs," Garcia asserted, emphasizing that even those bunkered down in evacuation centers should be allowed to vote. This undeterred stance comes as the Kanlaon volcano oscillates betweenAlert Level 3, posing a persistent threat to the community [Source A].

In this dynamic situation, the current Alert Level 3 could necessitate the redistribution of 24,362 registered voters from Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental to safer voting locations [Comelec]. In the consummate disaster scenario or Alert Level 4, 113,461 voters, encompassing 75,711 from five municipalities and cities in Negros Occidental and 37,690 from Canlaon City in Negros Oriental, would be relocated [Comelec].

Regional Task Force Kanlaon leader, Raul Fernandez, explained that OCD teams are currently collaborating with local government units, the police, and the military to streamline logistics and security arrangements [source B]. Defence Undersecretary and OCD Administrator Ariel Nepomuceno assured readiness to ensure the elections occur safely, even in the worst-affected areas [source B].

Detailed relocation plans are being finalized for affected voters. In La Castellana, 2,348 voters from Barangay Cabagnaan will vote at La Castellana National High School in Barangay Robles instead of their typical precincts at old Fabrica and Cabagnaan elementary schools [source B]. Other municipalities, like Bago City, La Carlota City, Pontevedra, and Murcia, have also drawn up relocation plans [source B].

Further, in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, 7,371 voters will be transported from high-risk villages to safer locations. Meanwhile, voters from Masulog and Panubigan would be brought to Jose Cardenas Memorial High School's main campus, and Pula voters will be relocated to the school's uptown campus in Barangay Mabigo [source B]. These measures are intended to guarantee the first election under such circumstances will proceed smoothly,despite the volcanic activity [source A].

References:- [Press Conference] Rappler (2025, May 1). "Kanlaon eruption won't stop elections, Comelec chair says." https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/investigative/2004739-kanlaon-eruption-wont-stop-elections-comelec-chair-says- [Source A] Philippine Star (2025, April 28). "Comelec prepares for Mt. Kanlaon elections." https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/04/28/2149913/comelec-prepares-mt-kanlaon-elections- [Source B] Inquirer (2025, April 30). "Comelec finalizing specific voter relocations for areas near Mt. Kanlaon." https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1471347/comelec-finalizing-specific-voter-relocations-for-areas-near-mt-kanlaon

Insight: To guarantee the seamless conduct of the May elections amidst Mt. Kanlaon's unrest, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and partner agencies have put contingency measures in place, such as partnership with the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD), implementing safety measures, and formulating specific voter relocation plans for affected areas. [Overall]

Amidst the ongoing elections, Comelec Chief George Erwin Garcia confirmed that the eruption of Mount Kanlaon will not halt the polls, emphasizing "Walang failure of elections kahit pumutok pa ang bulkan" [Press Conference].
In preparation for potential relocations, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is redistributing 24,362 registered voters from Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental to safer voting locations [Comelec].
When Alert Level 4 is declared, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) plans to relocate 113,461 voters, affecting both municipalities and cities in Negros Occidental and Canlaon City in Negros Oriental [Comelec].
In response to the volcanic activity, OCD teams are working closely with local government units, the police, and the military to streamline logistics and security arrangements [source B].
Incorporating specific voter relocation plans, affected voters in municipalities such as La Castellana, Bago City, La Carlota City, Pontevedra, and Murcia, and in high-risk villages in Canlaon City are being transported to safer locations to ensure the May elections proceed smoothly [source B].