Bacolod police ensures safe conduct of polls

The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) has ensured the safe conduct of the May 13 elections in the city as it closely works with other law enforcement units under the supervision of the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
“The security forces are united to ensure a peaceful mid-term elections,” said Col. Henry Biñas, officer-in-charge of BCPO, after the unity walk and covenant signing held at the Bacolod public plaza over the weekend.
He noted that Bacolod is under the green category, which means there is no evident threat that will disrupt the upcoming elections in the city.
“The campaign period among the national candidates is generally peaceful, but we will be watchful for the local campaign,” Biñas said.
The campaign period for senators and party-list groups started on Feb. 12 while for members of the House of Representatives and regional, provincial, city, and municipal officials, the campaign will officially begin on March 29. The campaign period will end on May 11.
The unity walk and covenant signing was part of the simultaneous nationwide activity initiated by the Philippine National Police dubbed “Ugnayan ng Simbahan at Pulis” or USAP for a free, credible and peaceful elections.
City Election Officer Ann Janette Lamban, who was recently assigned to Bacolod City, said the Comelec, together with the police, the armed forces, and other deputized government agencies, will ensure a fair and honest elections in the city.
Only two candidates for councilor, Celia Flor and Wilfredo David, attended the event. Former councilor Roberto Rojas represented the Grupo Progreso party led by reelectionist Mayor Evelio Leonardia.
“They might have reasons for not being around, but I just say I miss them. There’s still a lot of time for them to show to the electorate that they are sincere in running for public positions,” Lamban said.
The activity was also attended by officials and representatives of the Philippine Army’s 303rd Brigade, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Bureau of Fire Protection, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and Diocese of Bacolod Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting, employees of Comelec-Bacolod, and members of Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams and force multipliers.* (Nanette Guadalquiver, NDB)