CAMP VICENTE LIM, Canlubang, Calamba City, Laguna – More than 11,000 members of the Police Regional Office 4A and other security forces were deployed for the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections on October 30.

Police Regional Office 4A (Calabarzon) regional director Brig. Gen. Paul Kenneth Lucas said a total of 9, 480 PRO4A personnel will be sent to voting precincts, canvassing area and Commission on Elections facilities.

He said the others will serve as convoy, quick reaction team, special weapons and tactics, reactionary standby support force and will man Comelec checkpoints throughout the region.

Additionally, a total of 1, 722 augmented personnel from other agencies will also be deployed, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire Protection, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Municipal and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, and the Public Order and Safety Office.

They will be equipped with vehicles, handheld radios and mobile phones, body worn cameras, and civil disturbance management equipment.

The multi-agency send-off and turnover ceremony for the BSKE was held at the PRO4A Grandstand in this camp.

Representatives from various government agencies, law enforcement bodies, and stakeholders gathered to take part in the send-off rites, underscoring the collaborative effort to conduct a secure, credible, and transparent electoral process.

Keynote speakers, including prominent government officials and Comelec representatives, delivered inspiring speeches, emphasizing the importance of a fair and peaceful election.

“Today, we come together as one, unified by our commitment in safeguarding our democratic traditions. The 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections are a vital aspect of our nation’s democratic tapestry. We pledge to ensure that in Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon), the elections will be free from violence, fraud, and manipulation,” Lucas said as he expressed gratitude to everyone for the unrelenting support and cooperation.

Meanwhile, Philippine Army 2ID commander Maj. Gen. Roberto Capulong appealed to voters to choose the right candidate.

“Panawagan ko lang po sa lahat ng boboto, sana pumili ng mamumuno na may talagang pagmamahal sa barangay, ‘yun talagang nag-iisip ng kapayapaan at kung ano ang ikabubuti ng barangay, said Capulong.

The security forces were formally accepted by regional election officer attorney Monalisa C. Mamukid. With Gil Aman

AUTHOR PROFILE

Jane Eleda