PNP: All systems go for BSKE 2023 security

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr. on Friday said that it is “all systems go” for the security of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) on Monday.

“We want to assure our citizens that the PNP is fully in command of the situation and all systems go for the BSKE,” Acorda said in a press briefing.

On Saturday, Acorda said a full alert status will be raised in the PNP and its 187,600 personnel will be deployed for election-related duties.

In case of any “eventualities,” Acorda said the PNP has readied its reactionary stand-by support forces and regional offices with minimal security concerns to respond and help in concerned areas.

Checkpoint operations and border controls across the country have been intensified to reduce and prevent incidents of violence.

“In areas of concern, particularly those under Comelec control, we have allocated additional human and logistical resources to ensure a seamless election process,” Acorda said.

So far, there are two areas under Comelec control: Libon, Albay and Negros Oriental, according to the PNP.

“Our message to the public is clear: Election Day will remain under our control, and we will not tolerate any disruptions or threats to the peaceful exercise of your right to vote,” Acorda said.

“We urge the public to cooperate and report any irregularities or security concerns,” he added.

As of 12 midnight on Friday, a total of 135 incidents of violence suspected to be connected with the polls have been reported so far. Twenty-six of them are validated to be election-related while 85 are unrelated.

The remaining 24 reported incidents are still being validated if they are connected to the BSKE.

A total of 1,880 individuals have been arrested and 1,430 firearms have been confiscated due to election gun ban violations as of Thursday, the PNP said.

On Thursday, the PNP said over 5,000 cops are on standby as possible poll workers in case some teachers withdraw as electoral board members for the BSKE this coming Monday.

The PNP said it has trained 5,558 cops in preparation for the upcoming election.

“Maaga pa lamang ay in-anticipate na ito ng PNP kaya meron po tayong naka-standby na 5,588 na trained na PNP na puwede pong mag-serve as special board of electoral inspector po,” said PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo on GMA Integrated News’ Unang Balita on Thursday.

(The PNP has anticipated this, which is why we have 5,588 trained personnel who can serve as special board of election inspectors.) — RSJ, GMA Integrated News