LEGAZPI CITY, Albay – The Special Task Force Libon has imposed a curfew in the municipality of Libon, this province, ahead of the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections on Monday, October 30.
Police Lt. Col. Malu Calubaquib, Police Regional Office-5 spokesperson, said that the town, whose eight barangays are under red category, is imposing curfew hours from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. from October 28 to November 10.
The Special Task Force Libon led by the Commission of Elections has adapted municipal ordinance No. 2021-006, except for sections 4(h), 7, and 14.
Exempted from the curfew are medical personnel while in the performance of their duties and functions; skeletal force of national government agencies and local government authorities, including local government personnel such as disaster risk reduction and management personnel, emergency response teams, and rescue personnel who are in the frontline in times of epidemics and outbreaks;
Accredited media practitioners while in the performance of their duties; employees of public utility companies, vegetable, meat, and fish vendors and suppliers, including fishermen in the course of their business or occupation; students on their way from school and other school administration-sanctioned activities wherein their attendance are required or otherwise indispensable, or when such student cannot go home early due to circumstances beyond the student's control as verified by the proper authorities concerned; those involved in the emergency, and all deputized agencies and personnel.
Bicol police director Police Brig. Gen. Westrimundo Obinque said that PRO-5 is ready for the BSKE.
Obinque said that they are fully prepared to guarantee an orderly and peaceful electoral process.
He outlined the comprehensive measures that PRO-5 have put in place to uphold the sanctity of the elections.
"These include the deployment of personnel throughout various parts of the region, strict enforcement of police operations, liquor ban and gun ban, all in strict accordance with the directives issued by the Comelec," he said.
Obinque added that to ensure safe and secure voting areas, they have increased police visibility to deter potential threats and criminal activities across the region.
"Red teams have also been mobilized to conduct inspections at voting centers, checkpoints, and police stations, thus ensuring the operational readiness of deployed personnel," he said.
Obinque noted that they remain committed to their mission in providing secure and transparent electoral process, ensuring that the voice of the people is heard and respected during the elections.