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| The 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections in Eastern Visayas proceed smoothly with heightened security measures, ensuring peace and order. |
TACLOBAN CITY – The Eastern Visayas region observed a generally peaceful and orderly conduct of the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) on Monday, October 30, 2023, following the implementation of heightened security measures in various election polls.
PBGen Reynaldo Pawid, Acting Regional Director, reported that despite brief power interruptions in Burauen, Leyte, and Brgy. Oquendo and Maulong in Samar, along with four missing names on the voters' list and a delay in opening a polling center in Brgy. Nag Uma, Calbayog City, due to harassment against security forces and members of the electoral board, no major untoward election-related incidents were recorded.
"The success of the 2023 BSKE is not only attributed to the prompt and competent preparation of all the involved government agencies, but the cooperation and support of the public has also led to the realization of our resolved objective for safe, accurate, fair, and peaceful elections," he added.
RD Pawid emphasized that maximum police visibility and presence in all areas, especially those of immediate and grave concern, played a vital role in ensuring a peaceful election.
9,985 personnel from the PNP, AFP, and Coast Guard were deployed across the region, overseeing peace and order in over 8,000 voting centers.
As part of intensified operations to secure a safe BSKE 2023, the Police Regional Office 8 reported that from August 28 to October 30, 2023, they arrested 139 individuals and seized 49 firearms and 523 deadly weapons. Additionally, 112 firearms were voluntarily surrendered for safekeeping. —iTacloban (Source: PCDAG EV)