Screengrab from Joy Bernos

Things took a serious turn in Abra after a video went viral showing two watchers shading ballots for some voters inside a polling precinct. The footage quickly made the rounds on social media and raised red flags — and now, those involved are in hot water.

According to Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Erwin Garcia, the two watchers have already been removed from the precinct and are now facing legal charges. Garcia emphasized that watchers are not authorized to assist voters in shading their ballots. Only members of the electoral board are allowed to do that — and only under specific circumstances, such as when a voter is a senior citizen, has a disability, or is illiterate and doesn’t have anyone with them.

“This is clearly an election offense,” Garcia stated. If found guilty, the watchers could face one to six years in prison.

The incident serves as a strong reminder that any irregularities inside polling places won’t be taken lightly. Comelec is urging voters and poll watchers alike to follow proper election protocols to protect the integrity of the voting process.