Comelec tightens security in ballot printing

MANILA, Feb. 7 – Tight security greeted non-accredited journalists and kibitzers at the start of the printing of 50,723,734 official ballots on Sunday at the National Printing Office (NPO) at the National Government Center (NGC) on EDSA near National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Road, Diliman, Quezon City.

Security was provided by the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) and Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNA)-SAF.

Only accredited journalists and groups were allowed to enter. A Commission on Elections (COMELEC) security officer, who requested anonymity, told the Philippines News Agency (PNA), if a person is not on the COMELEC accreditation list, then he or she is not allowed to enter.

"Everyone is under watch here," NPO Director Servando Hizon told reporters during a press briefing.

Servando said the Printing office has 12 closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras installed inside the NPO, excluding those placed outside the facility.

Hizon said the NPO has 64 physical security personnel stationed at the ballot printing area on a 24-hour, 7-days-a-week basis.

He also said that the NPO would deploy more security personnel or up 100 once the printing of the official ballots begin.

The printing of ballots is under the strict supervision of the Comelec and the watchful eyes of representatives of political parties, the candidates, and deputized citizens’ arm Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV). (PNA) RMA/JCA

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