ACMs On The Move: Securing The Midterm Elections In Central Visayas
The Rollout Unfolds
Police Escorting ACMs in the Transfer of Two Provinces in Central Visayas
By mid-April 2025, a substantial number of Automated Counting Machines (ACMs) have found their way to Central Visayas, with a major concentration in Cebu. As per recent updates, close to 672 ACMs have made their debut in Cebu, with more shipments on the horizon, all geared towards the upcoming midterm elections on May 12, 2025[1][2][3].
Guard Dogs on Duty
To maintain a secure and credible electoral process, both the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) are leaving no stone unturned when it comes to safeguarding these machines. According to Police Colonel Wilbert Parilla, Regional Chief of the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) 7, under the watchful eyes of PNP Chief Police General Rommel Marbil and the vigilant supervision of Police Brigadier General Eleazar Matta, the director of the HPG, the security for the transit of the ACMs is in good hands[4].
Colonel Parilla himself, accompanied by a team of personnel, is making every effort to ensure the security of all election paraphernalia involved in the move.
On April 23, 2025, ACMs were deployed in Bohol, with further deliveries made on April 25, 2025, at Talisay[4]. "We aim to ensure no delays in the delivery of the equipment," revealed Colonel Parilla.
The local police force in Cebu City also has a dedicated team monitoring the transit of these machines.
As reported by Police Lieutenant Colonel Maria Theresa Macatangay, deputy city director for operations at the Cebu City Police Office, the security for the ACMs during transit is provided by a combination of local personnel and the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) 7 to ensure a foolproof transport for the machines[4].
Pedal To The Metal
The ACMs are essential for proper tabulation and verification of the votes in the upcoming midterm elections, slated for May 12, 2025. Despite a few logistical concerns, preparations seem to be progressing swiftly, with no major delays noted[1][2]. The focus now is on maintaining the momentum and addressing any potential issues that might arise from transportation or storage[4].
Ultimately, the deployment process in Central Visayas appears to be moving along smoothly, with tight security measures in place to preserve the integrity of the electoral process and deter any unwanted meddling with the machines.
- The deployment of Automated Counting Machines (ACMs) in Cebu, as part of the midterm elections in Central Visayas on May 12, 2025, is being meticulously secured by both the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).
- The security measures for the ACMs during transit in Cebu are being closely monitored by a dedicated team from the local police force, in collaboration with the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) 7.
- By April 23, 2025, nearly 672 ACMs had been deployed in Cebu, with more shipments scheduled, and efforts are being made to ensure the timely delivery of these machines.
- The high-profile nature of the midterm elections, as well as the potential for war-and-conflicts-related politics to influence the electoral process, necessitates strict security protocols to safeguard the ACMs.
- Maintaining the momentum of the deployment process is crucial, as the ACMs play a vital role in the proper tabulation and verification of votes in the upcoming general news event.
