Camp Lapulapu, Cebu City – Visayas Command (VISCOM) along with the Regional Offices of the Commission on Election (COMELEC) in the Visayas, Area Police Command Visayas (APC Visayas), and the Coast Guard Districts in the Visayas convene the 1st Joint Security Control Center (JSCC) Meeting, as preparations intensify for the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) 2023.
During the meeting, Atty. Ferdinand Gujilde, the Regional Election Attorney of COMELEC Region 7 discussed the salient points of COMELEC Resolution No. 10905 or the Revised Calendar of Activities and Periods of Certain Prohibited Acts in connection with the BSKE 2023, to serve as a guide to the troops as they perform their functions during the election.
As per COMELEC Resolution 10905, the election period will be from August 28 – November 29. During this period, the gun ban will be implemented. As such, COMELEC Region 7 informed that filing of the application for gun ban exemption will commence as early as June 5.
Likewise, COMELEC Region 7 also informed that the postponement of the BSKE 2023 in Negros Oriental is being strongly considered since they are scheduled to go to the said province to assess the prevailing situation prior to making their recommendations.
Lieutenant General Benedict M Arevalo PA, the Commander of VISCOM emphasized the importance of being prepared, especially in the upcoming election, “Luck favors the prepared. If we want to be successful, if we want to be lucky, we have to be prepared. That is why we are preparing early for the forthcoming elections, for us to perform what is expected of us by the people.”
He further emphasized that “As we have learned, the political rivalry between candidates goes beyond the period of the election. We should take measures and monitor the situation before, during, and after the election because violence could erupt anytime.”
Lt Gen Arevalo concluded as he expressed his gratitude to the Commanders of the PNP and Philippine Coast Guard units in the Visayas who are present virtually, for their active participation during the meeting. He then directed his subordinate unit Commanders to start making preparations and start engaging their respective counterparts in the COMELEC, PNP, and PCG to ensure a safe and peaceful BSKE 2023.
