BANGUED, Abra (PIA) -- The Provincial Joint Security Control Center (PJSCC) led by the Commission on Election (COMELEC) in Abra gears for tighter security measures  during the election period for  the 2023  Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE). 

Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Mae Richelle Belmes said that the PJSCC was activated since Monday (August 7) in preparation for the  election period  that starts on  August 28 and lasts until  November 29, 2023.

Part of the security preparations also include the assessment of the different barangays for the categorization of areas of election concern and the possible declaration of areas under COMELEC control.

"After the COC filing, on our next PJSCC conference on September 15, gusto natin malaman yung assessment per barangay kung ano yung category nila kasi magkakaiba yung situation,” she shared.

Meanwhile, COMELEC-Abra  is preparing for the filing of Certificates of Candidacy (COC)  from  August 28 until September 2, 2023.

As of latest data from COMELEC, there are a total of 185,115 regular voters and 67,138 youth who are eligible to vote for BSK elections in Abra on October 30. (JDP/JJPM-PIA CAR)

She shared that  the Office of the Provincial Election Supervisor already scheduled activities including conferences and briefings with the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines , and other election stakeholders to ensure orderly and safe BSKE  in the province.

“Yung mga magche-checkpoint,  we will brief them para maayos ‘yung mga checkpoints. Tinawag ko din yung mga investigating officers nila,” Belmes said.

The Election Supervisor disclosed that there will be areas that the police will serve as members of the Electoral Board instead of teachers.

“Police na ang mgapapa-boto, may mga identified kami na precincts na police ang magpapa-boto sa loob ng precinct,” she explained.