BACOLOD CITY – Two-thousand, four-hundred policemen have been tapped to secure the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) in Negros Occidental on October 30.
Police Major Rhojn Darell Nigos, newly designated public information officer of the Negros Occidental police, said they are augmented by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), among others.
PROVINCIAL Election Officer Atty. Ian Lee Ananoria (third from left) and Police Col. Leo Pamittan (third from right), Negros Occidental police director, lead the ceremonial release of doves for a peaceful barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) in Negros Occidental during a peace assembly at the provincial police headquarters in Bacolod City on Monday, October 16. (Photo courtesy of Negros Occidental police)
Nigos said they started the initial deployment of personnel in every locality on August 28 and will have an additional deployment after the MassKara Festival here.
He, however, said that the figure is not yet final, as it may increase as Election Day approaches.
Nigos said the provincial police force is prepared to ensure a peaceful BSKE.
He said that simulation exercises have been conducted and they have constant monitoring and coordination with concerned agencies.
“We are ready for any untoward incident that may transpire,” he added.
Meanwhile, a covenant for a peaceful BSKE was signed at the Nocppo headquarters here on Monday, October 16.
Provincial Election Officer Atty. Ian Lee Ananoria led the National Multi-Sectoral Peace Assembly for BSKE.
Ananoria stressed the importance of the police as the protector of ballot, guardians of people, and guardians of democracy with the help of the Commission on Elections (Comelec).