The Commission on Elections confirmed on Wednesday that about 42,000 barangays have completed the canvassing of votes.

Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said that a barangay in Calbayog City, Samar, is the only remaining area to be canvassed as voting was delayed due to security concerns.

"All the counting and canvassing of the 42,000 barangays in the country have been completed. There is only one area where we are waiting for the canvassing to be finished. The said barangay is barangay Naguma, in Calbayog City. For two days on October 30 and 31, they were not able to conduct elections because on the 30th, when they were on their way early in the morning, they were harassed by an unknown group. The PNP and AFP were fired by the unknown group so they did not continue and returned to Calbayog City to get more government forces," Laudiangco said in an interview.

Laudiangco added that the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police had already neutralized the situation in the said barangay by arresting the five members of a private armed group.

The spokesman reported that about 29 cases were validated in the election-related incidents, resulting in 19 killings and 19 injuries

"As for our election-related incidents, the validated cases reported by the PNP and AFP are still 29 cases resulting in 19 deaths and 19 injured. We still have things under investigation," he said.

When asked about the possibility of fully automated elections in 2025, Laudiangco said that the pilot testing of the automated elections was successful and that it is possible for the upcoming elections as long as there is enough time and budget.

"The Comelec can do that if we have enough time and funds. If we are really going to automate and will be given funds, it is necessary as early as 2024 that we will be able to procure and prepare for it," he added.

Laudiangco said that Comelec is considering expanding mall voting as it gained positive results for the voters.

"The voters are happy. We are thankful to the mall owners for providing voting booths, staff, and facilities, which are all free and at no cost provided by the Robinsons Malls and SM Supermalls," he said.

Laudiangco urged all candidates to respect the decisions of the people and promote peace in their communities.