Dozens of boxes containing election paraphernalia, allegedly owned by the Commission on Elections (Comelec), are being stored at a private residence in Buhangin, Davao City, sparking concerns about potential cheating in the upcoming local and national elections on May 12, 2025.
The situation unfolded after a concerned citizen reported to the Buhangin Police Station on Saturday about the alleged presence of Comelec-owned paraphernalia at a house on Santol Street, Purok Santo Niño, Dumanlas, Buhangin, Davao City.
An initial investigation by the Buhangin Police Station revealed that the owner of the residence claimed the boxes contained solar panels and Wi-Fi transmission equipment from Comelec Manila, intended for distribution to various barangays in the Davao Region.
According to residents in the area, the election equipment arrived at the house on March 30. The Buhangin Police Station added that the owner stated a relative of her daughter-in-law, who had reportedly won the bidding to serve as the storage provider, requested assistance to temporarily store the equipment at her residence.
Captain Hazel Tuazon, spokesperson for the Davao City Police Office (DCPO), informed the media that the information is still undergoing verification.
Followers of Edge Davao’s Facebook page expressed concerns about why these items were being stored at a private residence instead of an official Comelec-accredited facility.
Alecknil Opalla commented, “Halaa!!!! If these are indeed COMELEC paraphernalia, why are they stored in a private residence and not in an official warehouse or government facility? Comelec should clarify this immediately, especially hapit na ang election dapat ma report ni, kay madaog ang walay pulos na leader?? Transparency and accountability please!!!!!”
Ayza Macatangay raised concerns about the legality of storing election paraphernalia, particularly official ballot boxes, in a private residence rather than a designated Comelec storage facility.
Macatangay explained that under Philippine election laws, all official ballots, counting machines, and election-related materials must be under strict Comelec custody and secured in designated warehouses or government facilities.
She further commented that storing election paraphernalia in a private residence poses risks of electoral fraud.
“The presence of these boxes in a private house raises red flags for ballot tampering, vote-rigging, or unauthorized access to official election materials,” Macatangay said.
She emphasized that such actions breach public trust, as free and fair elections depend on transparency.
“Unauthorized possession of these boxes suggests a deliberate attempt to manipulate the electoral process,” Macatangay added.
Le Ciel Mar questioned, “Why is it there in a sari-sari store? Bakit wala sa gov’t building yan? Why keep it in privately owned storage? Sa gobyerno dapat yan nakalagay.”
Baby Mfam expressed fears about the contents of the boxes, speculating that they might contain pre-shaded electoral forms.
“Basi shaded na siya tanan ha! Para sa kalaban pagtarong jud mo Comelec kay labay jud mo sa West Phil Sea. Himuon jud ang tanan para kuhaon ninyo ang Davao, dili jud pwede,” Mfam commented.
Meanwhile, Commission on Election 11 (Comelec 11) Assistant Regional Election Director, lawyer Gay Enumerables, told the media that she had already submitted reports from the police and the election officer to Comelec Central Office. She declined to comment further, stating that she is awaiting the official statement from Comelec Central Office
