PNP deploys over 1K cops as BSKE kicks off

By Rhaydz B. Barcia

LEGAZPI CITY --- Over 1,000 policemen were deployed across the six provinces of Bicol as the filing of certificate of candidacy of SK and Barangay candidates kicked off on Monday here.

Police Brig. Gen. Westrimundo D. Obinque, PNP Bicol regional director deployed at least 1,428 PNP personnel across the region as augmentation force along with the Philippine Army and other government forces as the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections period started.

Obinque said that the police augmentation was sent to various strategic locations to collaborate with the Commission on Elections in preventing lawless element from pursuing their nefarious activities during the election period.

The PNP regional command also plans to conduct massive checkpoints as soon as the Commission on Elections implemented the gun ban.

“These checkpoints aim to ensure the safety and security of the public as it will serve as deterrent against potential criminal activities that may be staged during the election. We wish to fortify the security measures and maintain a safe and conducive environment as the election period kicks off today, August 28, 2023. These personnel have been positioned at critical points to effectively establish 24-hour checkpoints,” the top cop in Bicol said.

He said that the PNP in partnership with the Philippine Army, COMELEC, and other stakeholders are working together to uphold the integrity of the election process.

“We are working hand in hand as we intend to ensure a fair, safe, and transparent electoral process to ensure the success of the election and safeguard the rights of suffrage of the people. Together, we stand united in fostering an environment of trust and security as the nation embarks on this significant journey of democratic expression,” Obinque said.

To guarantee a peaceful and well-organized election, the PNP Bicol is conducting joint checkpoints in collaboration with the Commission on Elections (Comelec), AFP and Coast Guard starting 12:01 AM of August 28, 2023.

The PNP reported that they’re closely watching the barangays considered as election hotspots specifically in the municipalities of Libon and Daraga in Albay.

Jane Valeza, Comelec Bicol regional director, said that there are 4,040,855 registered voters in the region as of June 19, 2023.

There are 3,471 barangays in Bicol region with 24,161 number of precincts and 4,040,855 registered voters. Among the six provinces of Bicol, Camarines Sur has the highest number of registered voters with 1,350,851 followed by Albay with 921,380, Masbate with 618,911; Sorsogon, 553,022; Camarines Norte with 392,979 and Catanduanes with 203,712.

As to the numbers of registered Sangguniang Kabataan (SK), there are 1,597,213 registered voters as of June 19, 2023.

Camarines Sur has the highest numbers of SK registered voters with 530,927; followed by Albay with 354,974; Masbate, 266,673; Sorsogon, 216,999; Camarines Norte, 144,340 and Catanduanes with 83,300.