Dumaguete City: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) office assured the safety of poll documents in its custody amid an electoral protest filed by a mayoral candidate against the winning bet. According to Philippines News Agency, Comelec-Dumaguete election officer, lawyer Ian Macaraya, stated in an interview that a letter from the Comelec central office had been received, mandating the safeguarding of election documents related to the protest. Macaraya highlighted that the Comelec central office holds jurisdiction over protests filed for city mayor, city vice mayor, and other higher positions. Macaraya explained that the role of the Comelec field office is to comply with all orders from Comelec-Manila. He mentioned that they had received an order to secure all documents pertaining to the May 12 elections. Further instructions from the Comelec are awaited, particularly regarding whether the ballot boxes and other documents will need to be shipped for a recount. Macaraya noted the distinct custodial roles o f the treasurer's office and the Comelec concerning the safekeeping of election paraphernalia. The City Treasurer's Office (CTO) is responsible for the ballot boxes, official ballots, and other documents within sealed containers. In contrast, the city Comelec office maintains custody of copies of election returns, voters' lists, and other reports. Macaraya mentioned that they are not privy to the detailed aspects of the election protest filed by Felipe Claudio Remollo against Manuel Sagarbarria, as they do not possess a copy of the petition. The Comelec's Electoral Contests Adjudication Department, in its communication to both the CTO and the local Comelec office, directed the protection of election documents in relation to an election protest filed by Remollo on May 22. The complainant, Felipe Claudio Remollo, is the son of incumbent Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo, who was defeated by Sagarbarria, the current congressman of the 2nd District of Negros Oriental, by a narrow margin. Records reveal that Sagarbar ria secured 37,740 votes, while Remollo received 36,555 votes, marking a difference of 1,185 votes. Dumaguete City had 94,558 registered voters for the May 12 polls, with 79,838 total ballots counted, reflecting a turnout of 84.43 percent. Macaraya noted that this is the first election protest seeking a recount in the city.