VIRAC, Catanduanes (PIA)- In connection with the start of poll period for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) in October, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in this province started conducting checkpoints in strategic areas of the province Monday, August 28.

According to Atty. Maria Theresa Dolores, Comelec Virac election officer, the start of BSKE period also marked the start of election gun ban until November 29 and filing of certificate of candidacy (COC) scheduled from August 28 to September 2.

She also emphasized that campaigning remians prohibited as the campaign period is scheduled from October 19 to October 28. There are at least 1,000 available positions for the 63 barangays of Virac.

Moreover, Dolores informed the public that processing and issuance of voters certification in the offices of the election officers (OEOs) are suspended during the period of filing of COC and will resume on September 4.

Meanwhile,  Catanduanes Police Provincial Office has activated its Provincial Election Monitoring and Action Center (PEMAC) and all its Municipal Election Monitoring and Action Center  in the province on Aug. 25 in connection with the BSKE for the data-based Election Monitoring System. 

PNP Provincial Director Col. Benjamin Balingbing Jr. also gave directive to chiefs of police to ensure the safety of those who will be filing their COCs. He also reminded the public to follow the rules and guidelines in relation with the BSKE particularly the gun ban and money ban.

Lt. Rommel Limas, commander of Alpha Company 83IB of the Philippine Army also assured their troops' cooperation in ensuring peace and order during the BSKE period.

The simultaneous ceremonial kickoffs of checkpoints were held on August 28 at 12 midnight participated by Comelec, PNP, Philippine Army and Philippine Information Agency. (PIA5/Catanduanes)