Police Brig. Gen. Joel B. Doria, director of the Police Regional Office 4B, has directed all police commanders in the region to intensify the security measures for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE).
At the same time, he said the same security measures will be extended for the observation of the All Saints and All Souls’ days after the Oct. 30 elections, saying he expects more residents and tourists to flock in various areas in Mimaropa (Mindoro Oriental and Occident, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan) to take advantage of the long weekend.
"I direct all police units in the region to intensify and sustain law enforcement, security, and public safety operations to ensure free, orderly, honest, peaceful, and credible elections," said Doria.
"It is important that our PNP personnel on the ground remain vigilant at all times and for the public to cooperate in ensuring a peaceful and fair election process," he added.
Since the start of the election period on Aug. 28, Doria said they have already set up more than 13,500 checkpoints across the region for the implementation of the gun ban.
So far, he said a total of 25 violators were arrested while 27 firearms were confiscated.
Doria said they also accepted the surrender of 38 firearms and another 66 firearms for safekeeping as part of preventative measures against the proliferation of unauthorized firearms that might potentially be used to disrupt the upcoming elections.
"I assure the public that we will continuously strictly implement security measures that are crucial for maintaining safe and fair elections, ensuring that the voting public can exercise their right to choose their local leaders without fear or intimidation," he said.
"We are ready for any election-related security issues and concerns that may arise before, during, and after the 2023 synchronized barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections," Doria added.