A total of 163 Automated Counting Machines (ACMs) for the upcoming May 12 midterm elections in Dagupan City were transferred to the Astrodome on Friday, with police and closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras guarding every step of the way.

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) said these will be distributed to different polling centers across the city on May 5.

To ensure safety, authorities deployed uniformed police and installed CCTV cameras inside the venue. COMELEC will also conduct random inspections daily until Election Day.

“After today, isi-seal lahat ng entry points dito sa Astrodome para walang makapasok,” Dagupan City Election Officer Atty. Michael Franks Sarmiento said.

Meanwhile, with just a few days left before the local campaign ends, COMELEC reminded all candidates and supporters to remain calm and focus on the issues.

“Sana mag-focus sa plataporma. Iwasan ang negative campaigning dahil dito nagsisimula ang iringan,” Sarmiento said.

In line with this, COMELEC has started enforcing the “ayuda ban” starting May 2.

This means government programs like AICS, TUPAD, 4Ps, and AKAP are prohibited temporarily to avoid the misuse of public funds during the election season.

“’Pag ginamit pa natin ito, magku-consider siya na abuse of state resources. Ang binabantayan, hindi lang vote buying, kundi abuse of state resources,” Pangasinan Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Ericson Oganiza said.

COMELEC said anyone caught distributing aid during the ban will face legal action.