As the campaign period for the synchronized barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) commences on Thursday, the Provincial Joint Security Coordinating Center (PJSCC) will focus on barangays categorized as areas of grave and immediate concerns in Negros Occidental, Provincial Elections Supervisor Ian Lee Ananoria said yesterday.
Of the 51 election areas of concerns in the province, three are under red category, or grave areas of concern; 45,
orange category or areas of immediate concern; and the other three fall under the yellow category, or areas of concern, Commission on Elections records showed.
Ananoria said the barangays placed under red and orange categories will be the focus of security operations in the northern and southern portions of the province, particularly Himamaylan City in the south.
There are 662 barangays in Negros Occidental, including the 61 barangays in the highly-urbanized Bacolod City.
Ananoria, who was the guest of honor and speaker at the National Multi- Sectoral Peace Assembly for the BSKE 2023 polls at Camp Alfredo Montelibano Sr. in Bacolod City, cited the vital role of the Philippine National Police in the election process, as the protector of ballot, guardians of the people and democracy, with the assistance of Comelec.
The activity concluded with the ceremonial release of white doves, which symbolizes peace, and state of tranquility, which also characterizes a respect of justice and goodwill.
The PJSCC is slated to hold its final security meeting on Oct. 19.
Ananoria said there is no indication yet, if the number of election areas of concern will increase, or a barangay will be placed under Comelec control. | GB
