Over 3,300 automated counting machines (ACMs) to be used for the May 12 midterm elections have arrived at hubs in Dagupan City and Alaminos City, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Pangasinan provincial office confirmed on Monday.

In an interview, Comelec Pangasinan Provincial Election Supervisor, lawyer Ericson Oganiza said there are 2,869 ACMs for the clustered precincts of the province and 491 contingency units.

“The ACMs are for delivery in respective offices of election officers per city and municipality, and then to the voting centers. The hubs will be secured by the Philippine National Police and private security hired by the national office,” Oganiza said.

He added that the shipment also included 49 consolidated canvassing system kits, complete with laptops.

Final sealing and testing of the ACMs are scheduled for May 6 in Pangasinan and La Union, and May 7 in Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur.

Oganiza said they are ready for the midterm polls.

Meanwhile, Comelec Ilocos Region Assistant Director, lawyer Reddy Balarbar said the distribution of assistance or ‘ayuda’ is prohibited starting May 2, while he warned candidates to not take part during the distribution of assistance that secured exemption from Comelec as violation of this rule can be a ground for disqualification.

The display or distribution of a candidate’s poster is also prohibited.

Balarbar said the Comelec regional office has already received three reports on alleged election law violations.

“We have received three reports. For the two reports, we required complainants to substantiate the allegation by submitting a complaint report as well as evidence, but have not submitted so far, but the other one submitted so it was processed,” he said. (PNA)