Comelec explains Davao storage setup amid public concerns

DAVAO CITY — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) clarified on Saturday that there was no irregularity in the storage of election equipment inside a private warehouse in Dumanlas, Barangay Buhangin, following concerns raised by residents who witnessed the delivery of what appeared to be election-related materials to a residential area.

Comelec confirmed that the equipment involved was Starlink satellite transmission devices and solar panels, which are part of the agency’s secure electronic transmission system for the upcoming May 12, 2025, National and Local Elections.

In an official statement, Comelec spokesperson Atty said, John Rex Laudiangco said the warehouse, located in Barangay Dumanlas, Buhangin District, is a temporary staging hub authorized under a contract between the Comelec and iOne Resources Joint Venture with Ardent Networks, Inc., the winning bidder for the supply and deployment of the satellite transmission technology.

“Walang nakikitang iregularidad ang Comelec sa pangyayaring ito,” Laudiangco said.

“The site is a designated temporary staging area before the final delivery to the respective Offices of the Election Officers (OEOs) in neighboring cities and towns of Davao province.”

According to iOne JV, the equipment is scheduled to be transported from the Davao City hub to OEOs on April 15, which is in line with the deployment schedule of the Counting and Canvassing Centers (CCCs) for the 2025 elections.

The Comelec’s Field Operations Office and Transmission Group Project Management Office have confirmed that the Davao site stores ten (10) sets of Starlink devices, solar panels, and batteries, as reflected in the project’s official documentation.

The project falls under the contract titled “Procurement of Secure Electronic Transmission Services for the 2025 NLE Results Using Telecommunications Networks Including Data Centers and Connectivity Requirements for the AES (Automated Election System).”

Davao City Police Office spokesperson Hazel Caballero-Tuazon said the items found inside a private property owned by Ruby Jean Apolinario, Dumanlas, Buhangin, included WiFi transmitters and solar panels from Comelec Manila.

To further secure the facilities and assure public transparency, Deputy Executive Director for Operations Rafael Olaño has ordered iOne JV to immediately deliver the equipment to the OEOs. Comelec personnel and the Philippine National Police (PNP) will secure the equipment. An inventory of all delivered equipment will also be conducted.

Additionally, the Comelec has directed all election officers and provincial election supervisors nationwide to inspect all iOne JV hubs, warehouses, and storage sites within their jurisdictions. The directive includes conducting a full audit, enforcing security protocols, and reporting findings to the Comelec central office.

The Comelec also reminded the public and media organizations that the Commission remains committed to transparency and encouraged verification of any election-related information through official channels.

“We urge everyone to coordinate with the Commission for accurate and verified information. Our goal is to uphold trust and transparency in all election processes,” Laudiangco added.

The clarification comes as Comelec continues its preparations for the 2025 national and local polls, ensuring secure and credible transmission of election results nationwide.