• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
All the security forces in Negros Occidental are now in full alert status, as Army soldiers and policemen have already been dispatched to the respective areas they are assigned to secure, in line with the synchronized barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections on October 30.
PCol. Leo Pamittan, provincial police director of Negros Occidental, yesterday said that they have 2,170 police officers available to secure the BSKE in the province.
Given the security preparations of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, Pamittan said “I am confident that we are good to go, and all set for the elections.”
Brig. Gen. Orlando Edralin, Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, who attended the Provincial Peace and Order Council meeting yesterday at the Provincial Capitol Social Hall in Bacolod City with Pamittan, said they have 2,119 available troops, including CAFGU Active Auxiliaries, to secure the elections in the province
Both the Philippine Army and PNP have also organized their respective Quick Reaction Forces, for response to any security emergencies that may arise during Monday’s polls.
Edralin said they have been on full alert from Thursday, until Nov. 4, in line with the elections, adding that he canceled all vacation leaves of soldiers.
Pamittan expressed concerns on the possibility that lawless elements may take advantage of the situation, as he called on police officers, who may be targeted for violent activities, to be vigilant all the time.
Edralin reminded Army soldiers to do their best effort in making BSKE 2023 peaceful and orderly, with zero incidents.
Any failure is not within our option, Edralin said.
Pamittan also said that the death of a ranking New People’s Army leader, as a result of a recent encounter with Army soldiers in Brgy. Canlusong, EB Magalona, Negros Occidental, whose father is running for barangay kagawad in the village, has nothing to with the election.*
