Intensive security measures will be enforced by the Eastern Police District (EPD) to ensure "transparency and credibility" during the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Election (BSKE) 2023.
“EPD will ensure a fair and just election. Thus we are fully dedicated and committed to maintain peace and order during the election period to uphold its credibility and transparency,” said EPD Director Brig. Gen. Wilson Asueta.
The EPD said it has implemented plans to “beef up troop deployment and personnel to conduct election duties.”
Police personnel with relatives who are running in the BSKE have also been reassigned from their local stations to assist election services in other cities in Eastern Metro Manila (Pasig, Marikina, Mandaluyong, San Juan).
In August, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said it will follow a marching order on reassigning police officers from their local stations, particularly those whose family members and relatives are candidates for the BSKE.
The order was intended to sway speculation and prevent allegations of fraud or police officers using their influence in the force to affect the results of the elections.
“As part of the intensive preparations for the upcoming BSKE 2023, Team EPD conducts continuous coordination and collaboration with the government agencies, support groups and stakeholders to ensure the success of the said election,” said the EPD.
In October, the PNP has identified more than 200 areas under the red category, pertaining to potential hotspots for election-related violence.
According to the Commission on Election (Comelec), the campaign period for the BSKE will start on Oct. 19 to 28. Election Day will be on Oct. 30 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The election gun ban that took effect beginning Aug. 28 will be enforced until Nov. 29.
Comelec Checkpoints have been installed within the Eastern Metro with regular inspections to ensure the safety of the public.