The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Negros Oriental has put in place contingency measures in case of floods or landslides during the May 12 national and local elections.

Comelec-Negros Island Region Director Lionel Marco Castillano said he directed the Provincial Joint Security Control Center to map out plans to prevent any disruptions should bad weather hit the province on Election Day.

“During our recent meeting with Pagasa [Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration], we were informed that Negros Oriental is expected to have heavy rainfall starting in May,” Castillano said.

He noted that some voting centers are located in the mountainous barangays of Ayungon, Tayasan and Bindoy — areas considered landslide-prone.

In the latest barangay elections, he said, the Comelec transport truck got stuck in the mud.

Worst-case scenarios may require relocating voting centers, Castillano said, expressing hope the elections would proceed smoothly.

“We’re asking everyone to join us in praying for good weather come May 12,” he said. (PNA)