CAMP RAFAEL C. RODRIGUEZ, Butuan City – The Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Center convened for the first time on Tuesday, September 5, to discuss security for the barangay elections in the Caraga region next month.
Each member laid out security measures and based on these, the JPSCC assured a safer and more peaceful conduct of the elections on October 30.
The Police Regional Office-13 hosted the command conference and was presided over by PRO-13 Director Police Brig. Gen. Kirby John B. Kraft.
It was also attended by Commission on Elections (Comelec)-13 Director Francisco G. Pobe and the Army 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade, 401st Infantry (Unite N’ Fight) Brigade, 901st Infantry Brigade, and Philippine Coast Guard District Northeastern Mindanao.
Pobe discussed the transport of election paraphernalia and the salient provisions of the “Kontra Bigay” committee.
“The foundation of our democratic ideals is the trust and confidence that the people place in the electoral process,” Kraft said in his message.
“It is our duty to protect and uphold this trust. That is why our security preparations are in full swing mobilizing all the needed manpower and assets for the BSKE next month.”
Brig. Gen. Adonis A. Orio, commanding general of the 402nd Brigade, Brig. Gen. George L. Banzon, commanding general of the 901st Brigade, Brig. Gen. Francisco F. Lorenzo Jr., commanding general of the 401st Brigade, and Commodore Christopher M. Meniado of PCG District Northeastern Mindanao also laid down their peace and security plans for the barangay elections.
Caraga has 1,311 barangays, 1,349 voting centers, 5,365 clustered precincts, 78 municipal and city election officers, and 196 electoral board-trained police personnel.