Comelec issues 16 subpoenas over pre-shaded ballots in Maluso, Basilan

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Wednesday said it issued 16 subpoenas over the pre-shaded ballots found in Maluso, Basilan during the first parliamentary election in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

"16 lahat yun," Comelec chairperson George Garcia said during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay. "Hindi dahil pinagbibintangan sila kundi para magpaliwanag ng panig."

(We issued 16 subpoenas, not because they are being accused but because we want to hear their side.)

Subpoenas were issued to the election officer; Maluso municipal treasurer, mayor, and chief of police; the Basilan provincial Philippine National Police commander, and local government personnel.

"Hindi kailangan whistleblower. Sabi ko nga chain of custody lang 'yan. Sino may hawak. May principal at indirect participation," he added.

(We don't need a whistleblower. It's just a chain of custody. who had possession of it. There is principal and indirect participation.)

Garcia told the media that Comelec already had a lead on the culprit behind the pre-shaded ballots, but did not share further details about it.

"Meron na po (kaming na identify na suspect) kaya lang mas maganda kung yan ay nasa maing internal investigation, maganda na mabigyan natin ng due process," Garcia said.

(We have already identified a suspect. However, it would be better if this were handled through a more thorough internal investigation, so we can ensure that the person is given due process.)

"Bago sila makapagtanggal ng plastic noon at magbuksan 'yun, medyo mahabang proseso kaya hindi isang tao lang ang gagawa. Itamper mo ang 16,000 more or less na balota, mga mahigit 15 na tao ang gumawa," he added.

(Before they remove the plastic and open the ballot, they have to go through a long process, so it is not a one-man job. There are more than 15 people involved with the tampering of more or less 16,000 ballots.)

To recall, Comelec earlier placed Maluso under its control after 36 of the 86 precincts were compromised due to pre-shaded ballots.

Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco earlier said the individual behind the pre-shading of ballots in 36 polling precincts in Maluso, Basilan, will face electoral sabotage charges that may result in life imprisonment.

The BARMM held its first parliamentary elections on Monday, September 14, with a final voter turnout of 84.34%.

The turnout represented 2,018,478 voters out of the region’s 2.393 million registered voters.

The 80 newly elected parliament members will assume office on October 30 and elect the region’s chief minister. The first elected officials will serve a five-year term until June 30, 2031. —AOL, GMA News