Comelec: Voters favor creation of new village in Surigao Sur town

Commission on Elections (Arianne Lacanilao/PCI Photo)

By Ferdinand Patinio, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – Voters approved the creation of a new barangay (village) in the town of Barobo in Surigao del Sur province, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said on Monday.

In a statement, the poll body said a total of 1,445 voters favored the measure which created Barangay Guinhalinan during the Aug. 10 plebiscite.

The town has a total of 2,574 registered voters.

“While 14 voters (0.54 percent) voted ‘No’, for an overall voter turnout of 56.68 percent or a total of 1,459 voters who actually voted,” the Comelec added.

On the other hand, the Commission said that in the meantime, officials of the new Barangay Guinhalinan shall be appointed by the Barobo town mayor — one village chief, seven village council members, a Sangguning Kabataan (SK) chairperson, and seven SK members.

The poll body noted that they shall serve until their successors are duly elected.

The plebiscite was held in accordance with Republic Act 11986, approved on March 21, 2024.