Police probe private storage of election equipment in Davao City

DAVAO CITY (April 7, 2025) — The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) has launched an investigation into the controversial storage of election paraphernalia in a private residence in Barangay Dumanlas, Buhangin, following reports from concerned residents and netizens who raised alarms over possible election irregularities.

DCPO Director Col. Hansel Marantan confirmed the investigation and said he would coordinate the matter with the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

“I am asking a basic question: is this contraband?” Marantan said in an interview. “If it is, then the police will step in and confiscate it. But as of now, we haven’t received any comment [from Comelec] saying so.”

Marantan clarified that the election materials discovered—specifically Starlink satellite transmission kits and solar panel sets—were reportedly intended to improve connectivity during the May 12 midterm elections, particularly in remote areas where mobile signals are weak.

Comelec has yet to release an official statement. Still, initial information reveals that the devices were part of a deployment plan by iOne Resources Joint Venture with Ardent Networks Inc., the official contractor tapped by the Comelec Central Office in Manila. The equipment was reportedly shipped from Manila to Davao before installation and deployment.

The Starlink kits, a wireless internet system by SpaceX, are designed to deliver high-speed, low-latency internet in remote locations. Meanwhile, the solar panel sets will provide backup power in areas without stable electricity, especially in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs).

However, discovering 37 boxes stored in a private residence reportedly owned by the Apolinario family raised serious concerns from election watchdogs and local residents.

“These are election-related devices and should be under strict government custody,” a resident said.

In response to public concern, Comelec ordered the immediate deployment of the devices to provincial offices. Over the weekend, the equipment was transported to Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro.

On Monday, the DCPO turned over 38 Starlink kits and 34 solar panel sets to the Commission on Elections in Davao de Oro for distribution to various municipalities:

• Maco – 6 units
• Maragusan – 7 units
• Mawab – 1 unit
• Monkayo – 3 units
• Montevista – 2 units
• Nabunturan – 1 unit
• Laak – 14 units

Watchdogs continue to call for a formal inquiry into the logistics protocols and are questioning how the equipment ended up in a non-government facility without public knowledge.

Election monitoring groups have described the incident as a logistics oversight and call on Comelec and its contractors to tighten handling protocols. They have also urged the commission to conduct a full audit to determine if any election regulations were violated.

“This shows a clear gap in transparency. The public deserves assurance that election equipment is handled with integrity,” one group said.

The 37 boxes of election devices intended for Davao City are now under official custody after being returned and documented at the Davao City Police Office at 8:55 AM today.