Baguio: The Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) is anticipating a peaceful midterm election on May 12, while the local Commission on Elections (Comelec) has assured that all personnel are prepared. During a meeting held at the BCPO headquarters, Baguio election officer, lawyer John Paul Martin, expressed optimism about the upcoming polls. 'We conducted three CJSCC (City Joint Security Command Center) meetings. I hope that the fourth will be a victory celebration for the members,' Martin stated. Baguio has 166,416 registered voters, 60 voting centers, and 232 clustered precincts.
According to Philippines News Agency, the BCPO, in collaboration with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, has enlisted volunteers to assist voters at desks where they can find their precinct and sequence numbers. Teachers have also undergone training and refresher courses to ensure they are well-prepared for the voting process. Martin highlighted the objective of having smooth operations with voting machines and quick transmission of results, aiming to proclaim winning candidates at the city level by 9 or 10 p.m.
The CJSCC has led the signing of a memorandum of agreement with various volunteer groups, including the Integrated Bar of the Philippines and the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting, to help manage assistance desks. Meanwhile, Jail Inspector Regino Castillo, chief of the administrative division at the Baguio City Jail Male Dorm, reported that 66 male and 24 female persons deprived of liberty (PDL) are set to vote. Special electoral board members will facilitate the voting process within the jail.
BCPO Director Col. Ruel Tagel expressed confidence in maintaining peace and order during the election period, citing Baguio's historical record of incident-free elections. The BCPO has also prepared by augmenting security manpower, sending 90 officers to Abra as reserve forces in polling centers. Tagel emphasized the importance of the CJSCC meetings in identifying and addressing any gaps in preparedness to ensure a successful election.
