AFP-VISCOM prepares for safe, secure barangay/SK elections in NegOr

NEGROS ORIENTAL-– The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Visayas Command (VISCOM) with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) prepare to ensure the peaceful conduct of the Barangay and Sangguiang Kabataan (BSK) elections in Negros Oriental.

“We have a contingency for this situation. We have been planning and making necessary coordination since March of this year. We are prepared and have enough personnel to support the COMELEC and the PNP in ensuring the peaceful and safe conduct of the Barangay and SK Elections in Negros Oriental,” VISCOM Commander, Lt/Gen. Benedict Arevalo said.

Arevalo made this statement after the announcement of COMELEC Chairperson, George Garcia that the COMELEC En Banc has decided to push through with the Barangay and SK Elections in Negros Oriental on October 30, placing the whole province under COMELEC control.

Arevalo added that the AFP-VISCOM will coordinate with the PNP to ensure that the contingency is synchronized with its deployment and security plan and to coordinate with the COMELEC as regards to guidelines in placing the entire province under AFP’s control.

Negros Oriental gained global attention following the mass shooting incident on March 4 at the residence of Governor Roel Degamo in Pamplona, Negros Oriental that resulted in the death of the Governor and nine other civilians. Politics is strongly considered as the primary motive of the said incident.

 “Since the incident, our security efforts in the province have been relentless. Checkpoints and mobility patrols in the urban areas as well as security patrols in the rural areas are being conducted even to this date. The government remains in control of the province's peace and order situation, which has become stable following the arrest of the primary suspects of the incident.” Arevalo bared.

He reaffirmed commitment to ensure the safety and security of the people during the elections, assuring the Negrenses that the security efforts of VISCOM never wavers to ensure safe and secure elections for its people. (Photos/PR: AFP-Viscom)