BANGUED, Abra (PIA) - - The Commission on Elections (COMELEC), the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Army are all set for the upcoming May 9, 2022 national and local elections in the province.
In a kapihan forum, Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Ricardo Lampac bared that their office is all set for the upcoming elections with the training of concerned personnel and other preparatory measures completed and election paraphernalia such as official ballots and other materials including equipment have already arrived.
Official ballots arrived last April 28, 2022 and are now with the municipal treasurers for safekeeping, said Lampac.
The 395 vote-counting machines (VCMs) were earlier delivered to the COMELEC hub in Ilocos Sur awaiting transportation to the province. These are expected to undergo final testing and sealing from May 2 – 7, 2022, said Lampac.
Abra Police Provincial Office Information Officer PMaj Edwin Sergio said the PNP provided composite personnel to secure the VCMs until the transport to the province.
On peace and order and security, both the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Army are on their toes during the election period.
As early as January this year, COMELEC checkpoints were established in the 27 municipalities to effectively implement the firearms ban during the election period. These are being manned by PNP and Army personnel.
Intensified “Oplan Katok” is also being undertaken where the respective municipal police stations hold house-to-house visit to identified residents possessing unlicensed firearms to surrender or deposit to the police station pending the issuance of license.
Designated voter’s assistance desk composed of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), a non-partisan, non-sectarian, non-profit organization affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church, National Citizens' Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL), an election watchdog in the country and civic groups will be in place during the day of the election to assist voters’ needs.
As the upcoming election is held in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, a health protocol will also be adhered to with the setting up of a triage prior to entry to the voting polls for thermal scanning. Voters found positive after undergoing triage are assured of their right to vote as they will still be accommodated and assisted, said Lampac.
Intensified Oplan Katok Program among the various municipal police stations is also being undertaken where the respective Municipal Police Stations hold house-to-house visit to identified residents possessing unlicensed firearms to surrender or deposit to the police station pending the issuance of license.
For any complaints or help especially during the election period, a hotline number is available for each MPS according to Chief of the Provincial Operations Management Unit LtCol Ricky Dangioan.
Meanwhile, with the 2022 NLE conducted in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, health protocols will be implemented for the safety of voters and the election board. Among the measures is the setting up of a triage prior to entry to the voting polls for thermal scanning. Voters found positive after undergoing triage are assured of their right to vote as they will still be accommodated and assisted, said Lampac.
To ensure smooth flow of elections, designated voter’s assistance desk composed of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), a non-partisan, non-sectarian, non-profit organization affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church, National Citizens' Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL), an election watchdog in the country and civic groups, will be in place during the day of the election.
Despite some isolated election-related cases experienced in the province, Lampac assured the peaceful conduct of elections with the support and cooperation of all.
In behalf of the PNP, Sergio sought the cooperation and support of all sectors in ensuring a safe, secured, peaceful, and successful election. (JDP/SCA-PIA CAR, Abra)
