In a meeting with law enforcement agencies and the Commission on Elections held on October 5 in the province of Sulu, Ministry of Public Order and Safety (MPOS) Director-General Al-Rashid Balt presented the ministry’s initiatives in ensuring a peaceful 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE). (Alline Jamar Undikan/BIO)
JOLO, Sulu – As the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) draws near, the Bangsamoro Government’s Ministry of Public Order and Safety (MPOS) and various law enforcement agencies in the province of Sulu convened in a meeting to discuss preparations in safeguarding the upcoming electoral process.
Held on October 5, the meeting brought together representatives from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Commission on Elections (COMELEC), and other stakeholders. The main objective was to deliberate and strategize the deployment and security measures for the forthcoming elections.
This effort aligns seamlessly with the regional government’s overarching goal of bolstering peace, justice, and security across the Bangsamoro region through stronger coordination and proactive collaboration with law enforcement agencies, development partners, and other stakeholders.
MPOS Director-General Al-Rashid Balt emphasized that, in addition to their other initiatives in ensuring a safe, fair, and honest elections, the ministry will actively campaign in preventing election-related violence.
“Magfo-focus ang ministry sa peace advocacy at ang objective natin ay kung papaano ‘yong mga candidates, kanilang mga supporters, families, at mga mamamayan ay maka-prevent sa paggamit ng violence,” Balt said.
[The ministry will focus on peace advocacy, and our objective is how the candidates, their supporters, families, and citizens can prevent the use of violence.]
The AFP and PNP presented their recommendations and proposed interventions to address security concerns. COMELEC, on the other hand, shared crucial data, including the manning lists of election officers in each municipality and the contested barangays.
Highlighting the need for strict adherence to the rule of law during the electoral process, Election Officer III Shariff Ututalum of COMELEC-Sulu emphasized the importance of refraining from any unauthorized interventions within polling areas.
“Walang problema if ang monitoring is for reporting purposes ng office, pero dapat sa labas lang ng area. Dahil kung papasok kayo, hihingan namin kayo legal authority,” Ututalum said during the open forum.
[There will be no problem if the monitoring is for reporting purposes of the office, but is should be conducted outside the polling areas. Because if you enter, we will ask for your legal authority]
The PNP identified the towns of Indanan and Parang as hotspot zones at high risk of election-related violence. The AFP identified to more areas, Patikul and Siasi, with lower risks. The accuracy of this list is currently being verified by the security forces.
To enhance security measures in areas of particular concern, the AFP proposed the establishment of Joint Security Control Centers (JSCCs) at provincial and municipal levels. The JSCCs will oversee high-risk areas, provide security support to COMELEC, conduct law enforcement operations, and facilitate data sharing.
Moreover, the AFP also suggested the formation of Joint Monitoring Teams, comprising of members from various security groups, who will monitor the security situation and promptly notify the JSCC of any unusual activities.
The elections empower the people to choose leaders who can address their concerns, implement effective policies, and ensure accountability within the LGU. It is Bangsamoro Government’s commitment to extend its unwavering support to the local leaders, ensuring that they can attain self-reliance in efficiently delivering essential services to their constituents. (Alline Jamar M. Undikan/BIO)
