Baguio City: Police and education authorities have emphasized unity, proper coordination, and cooperation as key factors contributing to the success of the recent midterm elections in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). Brig. Gen. David Peredo, regional director of the Police Regional Office (PRO)-CAR, expressed satisfaction with the effective management of peace, order, and security in the area, particularly in the province of Abra, where 91 percent of registered voters participated.
According to Philippines News Agency, security forces in Abra implemented various programs and initiatives to ensure a smooth election process, which could be adopted in future polls. These measures included the deployment of tactical motorcycle units in strategic locations, establishment of both mobile and fixed checkpoints, and intensified operations such as 'Oplan Bakal' or 'Oplan Sita' to monitor individuals carrying potentially dangerous items. Additionally, the involvement of the Highway Patrol Group ensured that vehicles were checked for firearms and contraband, while the installation of CCTV cameras in sensitive areas helped monitor potential election-related violence.
Peredo remarked that despite challenges on election day in Abra, security forces effectively addressed five incidents that could have disrupted the polling process, allowing the elections to proceed without interruption. He attributed this success to the coordination with stakeholders who shared the objective of a peaceful election. The province of Abra boasts 188,957 registered voters across 27 municipalities and 303 barangays, with a total of 364 voting precincts.
Estella Cari±o, CAR regional director of the Department of Education (DepEd), noted that the efficient management of peace and order by government security forces instilled confidence in their personnel serving during the election. She mentioned that the visible presence of police ensured safety, reducing stress for teachers and fostering a supportive environment by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and security forces.
In a related development, the PROCAR suggested that personnel from other government security agencies, such as the Bureau of Fire Protection and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, be utilized as special election board members in future elections. This proposal aims to allow police forces to focus entirely on security-related tasks. Torres, representing PROCAR, indicated that this recommendation would be forwarded to the Comelec central office for consideration and potential implementation.
