Army, PNP, Comelec ink poll security plan

By Analiza Macatangay

Newly-designated Philippine Army (PA) 9th Infantry “Spear” Division commander MGen. Alex DC. Luna recently signed together with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) a security plan for a secure 2022 poll during the activation of the Regional Joint Security Control Center (RJSCC) on Jan.5 in Rawis, Legazpi City.

In a press statement, Maj. John Paul Belleza, 9ID spokesperson, said that the RJSCC has been activated to ensure that the upcoming 2022 national and local elections will be secure, accurate, safe and fair.

“The army, under the headship of our new commander, is committed in ensuring that all the poll preparations will be in accordance to the joint security plans both crafted by the AFP and PNP with the Comelec as the chairperson,” Belleza stated.

During the RJSCC’s first joint conference held at the Comelec Bicol Regional Office in Rawis, Legazpi City, it was agreed that the Comelec will start setting up checkpoints on Jan. 9, the start of election period. Gun ban also started on the same day.

Luna said that he will designate military officers per province whose task is to oversee these security measures.

“Let us open our communication lines para sa anumang koordinasyon natin sa isa’t isa sa darating na 2022 elections,” Luna said.

Luna, who recently assumed post as the new top military officer in Bicol on Jan.4 is the 16th Division Commander of the 9ID.

Prior to his present post, Luna has been assigned in the 9th ID from 2007 to 2009 where he served as assistant chief of staff for Civil Military Operations, G7, and as 42nd Infantry Battalion commander.

“9th ID is like a second home to our newly-installed division commander, he being here for almost three years and handling various key positions while he was assigned here,” Belleza stated. (With reports from JPBelleza,9th ID-PIA5/Camarines Sur)