Several Registrants Faint While Queueing at Comelec Satellite Center in Bacolod City
Several people fainted while lining up to register as voters at a satellite registration center of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) in Bacolod City.
The incident happened at Robinsons Place Bacolod, where long lines formed early in the morning for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Elections registration. Even before the mall officially opened, the queue had already stretched outside, with hundreds of people hoping to secure a spot.
Witnesses shared that the crowd became so packed that some individuals started feeling dizzy, and a few fainted due to the heat and tight conditions. Many came as early as dawn, bringing breakfast with them or accompanied by family members to ensure they could register.
Reports from those in line claimed that only 500 to 700 registrants would be accommodated that day. With no more priority numbers being given, people were told to line up directly, which caused a rush at the entrance.
The situation becomes tense when some people tried to squeeze into the line, prompting shouting among those waiting.
Roseny Valiao, a Facebook user, shared a video of the situation at Robinson’s Place Bacolod showing people lining up to register as voters. The post quickly went viral and drew reactions online.
She was reportedly upset after hearing children yelling and pushing in the crowd. Many netizens expressed concern about the lack of organization and the potential health risks for those waiting in long, cramped lines.
Some suggested that COMELEC should consider extending the registration period or holding it in individual barangays to ease congestion and make the process safer. Others felt that better crowd control and clearer guidelines could have prevented such incidents.
The social media users expressed their reactions to the incident:
