IN a landmark step toward inclusive democracy, a special polling precinct was set up at the Cagayan de Oro City Jail – Male Dormitory for Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) to vote in the 2025 midterm elections yesterday, May 12.
The initiative, held from 9:30 am to around 2:00 pm, was conducted in coordination with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), ensuring that eligible PDLs could exercise their constitutional right to vote in a secure and dignified manner.
A total of 173 male PDLs successfully cast their votes at the precinct in Purok Mahigugmaon, Dalawan Area, under the direct supervision of Jail Superintendent Marlon J. Ymballa, DSC.
Voting was facilitated by members of the Special Electoral Board and BJMP personnel. In District 1, a total of 153 Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) cast their votes, with 25 voters from Cluster 1, 31 from Cluster 2, and 97 from Cluster 3. In District 2, 20 PDLs successfully voted.
In addition, 40 female PDLs from the Cagayan de Oro City Jail – Female Dormitory also participated, voting under the supervision of Jail Inspector Mary Rose P. Pacana, the jail warden.
Some PDLs waived their right to vote or were no longer eligible due to release prior to election day. The BJMP clarified that voter eligibility is determined solely by the Comelec, while its own role is to ensure the conduct of safe, orderly, and lawful elections inside the facility.
Also overseeing the proceedings were Assistant Warden JCInsp. Carlo F. Obrique and Chief of Security and Control JSInsp. Rene Michael B. Guangco.
Human rights representatives — Atty. Kristine T. Gaudiel-Gambe and Special Investigator Jean Claudie E. Lugatiman from the Commission on Human Rights — were present to monitor and ensure the integrity and dignity of the voting process.
Top BJMP officials, including BJMPRO-X Regional Director JCSupt. Cesar M. Langawin, Chaplaincy Chief JSupt. Thomas Augustine H. Catarata, and Misamis Oriental Provincial Jail Administrator JCInsp, Omar A. Jalagat, visited the site to oversee operations and conduct inspections.
The collaborative effort by Comelec, BJMP, and CHR highlights a shared commitment to democratic participation, even within custodial settings — a move hailed as a model for strengthening voter inclusion across the country.
