Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos has declared that the observance of Undas 2023 was generally peaceful and orderly.
This, as Abalos commended the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the local government units (LGUs) for ensuring the public’s safety throughout the country during the observance of Undas 2023, notwithstanding the fact that Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) were held on October 30 (Monday) or just two days before the celebration of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
Abalos said that some three million people flocked to various cemeteries nationwide on November 1 and 2, but no serious untoward incidents were reported during the observance of the holidays.
“Kudos to the PNP and LGUs for safeguarding Filipino voters as they exercised their right to suffrage during the BSKE, and ensuring a peaceful and orderly observance of Undas. Tunay na kahanga-hanga ang inyong dedikasyon sa paglilingkod,” he said.
“I extend the gratitude of the national leadership to all PNP regional offices and units, partner agencies, non-government organizations (NGOs), and volunteers for making this happen,” the Armed Rorces of the Philippine-Western Mindanao Command chief said yesterday before bowing out as unified commander.
The outgoing AFP-WESTMINCOM chief Maj. Gen. Steve Crespillo lauded the military troops, partner agencies and stakeholders for the strong collaboration that led to the successful conduct of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) on Monday, October 30, 2023.
According to Maj. Gen. Crespillo, the BSKE in the provinces under the area of operations of WestMinCom was generally peaceful, with no major election-related incident reported.
In the Northern Mindanao and Caraga Region, Major General Jose Maria R. Cuerpo II, the Commander of 4ID, said the entire election process was generally peaceful especially in areas where the Diamond troopers were deployed. Per record, there were only four minor election-related violations and incidents that occurred in Bukidnon and in Cagayan de Oro but these did not affect and hamper the peaceful conduct of the BSKE.
Cuerpo lauded the dedication of Diamond troopers led by Col Ted Dumusmog, the Commander of Task Force SAFE, in performing their mandated tasks and remained non-partisan all throughout the election period. The troops deployed successfully prevented violence in critical areas or classified as areas with immediate concern.
He further expressed gratitude for the strong collaboration of all stakeholders, including the candidates, voting public and partner agencies involved in the electoral process, making the significant event generally peaceful in its AOR.
“The successful conduct of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Election in our area of responsibility is the result of our collective commitment with the communities. The synergy of efforts and the sacrifices that we all put in frustrate peace spoilers and made them rethink in doing criminal activities, as we are fully ready and capable to respond accordingly. We vow to ensure the welfare and safety of the people within our AOR, continue to perform our mandate, sustain our gains against the CTG to maintain peace and security in Region 10 and 13,” TF SAFE Col Dumusmog said.
