Two elderly individuals pass away during poll watchers orientation meeting.

Two elderly individuals pass away during poll watchers orientation meeting.

Rewritten Article:

Tragic Stampede at Poll Watchers Orientation Leaves Two Seniors Dead

In an unfortunate turn of events, a stampede at a poll watchers' orientation in Zamboanga City, Philippines, claimed the lives of two senior citizens, Adelardo Solamillo, 65, a tricycle driver, and Norma Anuddin, 80, on May 10, 2025. The incident transpired at the Royce Convention Center within the Grand Astoria Hotel in Barangay Zone 2.

As police colonel Fidel Fortaleza Jr., director of the Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO), reported, the victims were found struggling for breath due to the overwhelming crowd that descended upon the venue, drawing suspicions of vote buying.

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The tragic incident unfolded around 6:30 p.m. on Friday, May 9, at the hotel's convention center. According to the companions of the victims, the event was a shambles, with no privilege lanes for senior citizens, pregnant women, or individuals with disabilities.

Further, the event drew hospitalization for the victims, but they were declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.

In a separate development, Mayor Celso Lobregat, a supporter of Team Zamboanga, was implicated in allegations of paying off poll watchers during the gathering (our website: Zamboanga).

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The local police have been tasked with investigating the incident, including allegations of vote buying during the event. The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has emphasized the need for close monitoring of such events to prevent future incidents and curtail the use of such gatherings for illicit activities.

The large turnout at the event, which was intended solely for poll watchers, has been criticized, with some viewing it as a mockery of the electoral process.

The Dalipe family has extended their condolences to the families of the deceased, and there have been calls for improved crowd management at public gatherings to prevent similar incidents.

1. The tragic stampede at the orientation for poll watchers in Zamboanga City, specifically at the Royce Convention Center within the Grand Astoria Hotel in Barangay Zone 2, took the lives of two senior citizens, Norma Anuddin, aged 80, and Adelardo Solamillo, who was 65 and a tricycle driver.
2. The victims, Norma Anuddin and Adelardo Solamillo, were found struggling for breath due to the overwhelming crowd during the poll watchers' orientation, raising suspicions of vote buying.
3. The victims, Norma Anuddin and Adelardo Solamillo, were not provided with any privilege lanes, despite their ages and health conditions, causing chaos and hardship during the event.
4. The incident resulted in the hospitalization of Norma Anuddin and Adelardo Solamillo, but they were sadly declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.
5. While the local police investigate the stampede and allegations of vote buying at the event, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has stressed the importance of close monitoring of such gatherings to ensure mental health and wellness, especially during the aging process, and to prevent future incidents.

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