PNP makes early preps for village, SK polls 2023

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) is already preparing and laying out plans as it is set to assume election duties as a deputized agency of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) on Oct. 30, 2023.

In a statement on Monday, May 15, PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. said the Comelec Committee on the Ban on Firearm and Security Concerns (CBFSC) convened its first meeting, which was presided over by Commissioner Aimee Ferolino, CBFSC chairperson, on May 9, with representatives from the PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Acorda said all operational planning and preparatory activities of the PNP are guided by Comelec Resolution 10902, which approved the calendar of activities for BSKE 2023.

The election period will begin on Aug. 28 and will end in November.

“The PNP will strictly enforce all prohibited acts during the entire 90-day election period as enumerated under the Omnibus Election Code and Resolutions passed by the Comelec,” said Acorda.

“These prohibited acts include the bearing, carrying or transporting of firearms or other deadly weapons in public places including any building, street, park, private vehicle, or public conveyance, unless authorized in writing by the Comelec. Also prohibited during this period is the use of security personnel or bodyguards by candidates,” he added.

PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said the PNP will beef up efforts to ensure a peaceful and orderly conduct of BSKE 2023.

She said the Directorate for Operations is closely coordinating with the Comelec as well as the regional and provincial police offices including for the identification of election areas of concern.

“We also expect this coming barangay elections although we know it will be quite hot when it comes to the local election. That’s why this early the PNP prepared, including the other security forces, to make sure all risk factors will be determined as early as now so that those best practices and other police strategies to ensure that we have safe and secure elections will be implemented even prior to the declaration of the election period,” said Fajardo.

The Comelec scheduled the filing of certificates of candidacy for the upcoming BSKE in October from Aug. 28 to Sept. 2.