• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Provincial Elections Supervisor Ian Lee Ananoria yesterday said there is enough security forces to ensure a peaceful and orderly synchronized barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections in Negros Occidental on Oct. 30.
A formal send-off ceremony of security forces will be held on Oct. 27 at the parade grounds both of Bacolod City Police Office and Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office in Bacolod City.
Ananoria said the Provincial Joint Peace Security Coordinating Center has already dispatched troops in some far-flung barangays, especially those included in the 51 election areas of concern, ahead of the polls.
He also assured teachers, serving in the Electoral Boards of hinterland barangays, of adequate security as the assigned police and Army personnel will remain in the polling precincts until all votes are counted.
In a statement, PBrig. Gen. Sidney Villaflor, regional police director of Western Visayas, who is expected to attend the send-off ceremony of security forces in Bacolod City, stressed the 5 Cs needed to succeed in the task of securing this year’s elections.
These are Coordination, Communication, Collaboration, Commitment and Christ.
Moreover, Ananoria said that all accountable forms that will be used for the polls have already been sent across the province and contingency plans are in place in case the election paraphernalia would be damaged or would not be enough.
He reminded voters not to sell their votes, and warned those who may engage in vote-buying that “Kontra Bigay” desks have been established all over the province to attend to complaints.
To the losing candidates, respect the decision of the people, Ananoria said. | GB
