• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
With the campaign period for the synchronized barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections about to commence on Thursday, the Provincial Joint Security Coordinating Center will focus on barangays categorized as areas of grave and immediate concern in Negros Occidental, Provincial Comelec supervisor Atty. Ian Lee Ananoria disclosed yesterday.
Of the 51 election areas of concern in the province, three are under the red category, or grave areas of concern, 45 are areas of immediate concern, or orange category, while the three remaining others fall under the yellow category, or areas of concern, Commission on Elections records showed.
Ananoria disclosed that the barangays placed under red and orange categories will be the focus of security operations, especially in the northern and southern portions of the province, like Himamaylan City.
There are 662 barangays in Negros Occidental, including the 61 barangays in highly urbanized Bacolod City.
Ananoria, who was the guest of honor and speaker at the National Multi Sectoral Peace Assembly for the BSKE 2023 polls at Camp Alfredo Montelibano Sr. in Bacolod City, cited the vital role of the PNP on the election process, as the protector of the ballot, and guardians of the people and democracy, with the help of Comelec.
The activity was concluded with the ceremonial release of white doves which symbolize peace, a state of tranquility, and characterizes respect for justice and goodwill.
The PJSCC is slated to have its final security meeting on October 19.
As of this time, Ananoria said there are no indications if the number of election areas of concern will increase, or if a barangay will be placed under Comelec control.*
