980 PCOS machines now in Negros Occ

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — A total of 980 precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machines have arrived in Negros Occidental during the weekend, with more to come this week to complete the 2,043 alloted machines, provincial election supervisor Wil Arceño said yesterday.

On the other hand, the ballot papers will arrive either on Sunday or Monday, he said, adding that the machines and the ballots will be stored in an undisclosed warehouse, with security guards, for safekeeping before these will be turned over to the respective city and municipal Treasurer's Offices as custodian of the said election paraphernalia, a few days before May 13.

Each machine comes with its own final testing and sealing kit, which will be conducted on May 10, Arceño said. Earlier, the Comelec had set the final testing and sealing of PCOS machines on May 6, but the Comelec regional office has rescheduled it to May 10, for security purposes, he said.

Meanwhile, the Comelec had finished the training of PCOS technicians to be assigned in Negros Occidental during the May 13 elections. (FREEMAN)