BAGUIO CITY (PIA) -- The City Joint Security Control Center (CJSCC) convened on August 9 at the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO)  to synchronize plans to ensure a secure, accurate, free, and fair 2023 Synchronized Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).
 
The meeting was presided by BCPO Director PCol. Francisco Bulwayan Jr. and Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Baguio Election Officer Atty. John Paul Martin, and was attended by the BCPO Unit commanders and representatives from various government agencies and the media.

Martin stressed that the conduct of the election is a whole-of-government approach with the COMELEC as the lead agency. The CJSCC  is being  conducted for all stakeholders to be synchronized in maintaining the peaceful reputation of Baguio City as regards the conduct of elections.

 "We are doing these preparations, not for the candidates but really, for the voters," Martin stressed.

COMELEC-Baguio  gave updates on the BSKE and  highlighted  the key aspects of the implementation of the gun ban and  checkpoints during the election period,  and the project of precinct profile.

The BCPO presented the security, deployment, and contingency plans to ensure a secure and successful election.

 PMaj. Czymeere Nicanor Valencerina said that the BCPO City Task Group BSKE 2023 was "organized and activated to provide strategic direction and supervision of overall police operations."

Valencerina added that around 222 police personnel will be deployed in the 58 voting centers in the city during the election period, and 442 personnel during the election day. The Baguio police will also establish 24 checkpoints across the city.

Baguio City remains in the green category where  there are no problems and cause for concern, as the  conduct of the previous elections was relatively peaceful and orderly.

Bulwayan assured that the Baguio PNP is ready to ensure a safe and orderly BSK elections come October 30.

The city has a total of 169,711 registered voters for the barangay elections and 46,762 registered voters for the SK elections. A total of 58 voting centers will be activated with  515 clustered or grouped precincts.

The election period will  start on August 28  until November 29, 2023. The filing of candidacy  is from August 28 to September 2. The campaign period is from October 19 to October 28, and the election day is on October 30 from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM. (JDP/DEG-PIA CAR)