RIGHT TO SUFFRAGE. Voters for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections flock as early as 7 a.m. to the Jose Bastida Elementary School to cast their votes at Barangay Dumoy Talomo District in Davao City on Monday (Oct. 30, 2023). Voters can cast their votes from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. (PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.)
MANILA – A total of 98 percent of all polling precincts for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) have opened as of 10:58 a.m. on Monday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.
PNP public information office chief and spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said this is an increase from the 93.1 percent of polling precincts logged as of 8 a.m.
In a separate statement, PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda said the police force is committed to ensuring that this year's barangay elections are peaceful and orderly.
"As voting centers across the nation opened their doors this morning, we stand ready to ensure the smooth and fair conduct of these elections. We are dedicated to upholding the integrity and sanctity of this democratic process," he added, as voters started flocking to polling centers for the voting which will run until 3 p.m.
Acorda also said the police force is committed to monitoring and immediately responding to any election-related incidents (ERIs).
While there have been reports of ERIs during the nine-day campaign period, Acorda noted that these challenges did not significantly impact the overall security landscape of the electoral process.
"The enforcement of the money ban implemented two days ago is being closely monitored. Additionally, the liquor ban, in effect since yesterday (Sunday) and lasting until midnight today, is being actively enforced," he added.
Acorda also said they have received reports of alleged vote buying in certain areas since last week and have already forwarded these to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for proper action.
"We have made extensive preparations to ensure the safety and integrity of the voting process. Our dedicated personnel are strategically positioned in areas under Comelec control, such as Libon, Albay, and Negros Oriental, where relative peace and order have been observed. On the other hand, our forces remain on high alert in other areas with security concerns," he added.
Acorda, however, said the current security situation remains in these areas despite reported significant incidents.
"Our purpose is clear and that is to establish a space where the voices of our citizens can reverberate with strength and clarity. These elections are the pillars of our democracy, and it is our duty to protect the integrity of every vote, every voter, and every individual longing for a just, liberated, and peaceful Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections," the PNP chief added.
He also urged all Filipino voters not to sell their votes and reject any attempts to compromise the integrity of our democratic process.
"Our vote is sacred; let it lead us towards a brighter future for our beloved nation and its youth," Acorda noted. (with Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)
